Ernst Meyer 1826 - 1893

This portrait of Ernst Meyer was made by H. C. Henneberg, using engraving. This process involves meticulously cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed, transferring the design to paper. Consider the precision and skill required to create this image. The engraver's hand guides the tool, translating tone and texture into a series of lines. Look at the fine details of Meyer's face, the way light catches his glasses, and the texture of his coat. These are all carefully rendered through the controlled application of line. Engraving was a labor-intensive process, often used for mass production of images, before photography became widespread. So, this portrait speaks to both the individual artistry of Henneberg and the broader industrial context of image-making in the 19th century. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the product of skilled labor and technological processes.