Portret van George Friedrich Händel 1708 - 1780

This is an engraving of George Frideric Handel, made by Jacob Houbraken sometime in the 18th century. The artwork shows the labor-intensive process of engraving, where an image is incised onto a plate. It is made by carefully carving lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The clarity and detail suggest a mastery of the technique, with a controlled hand able to render a range of tonal values. Engravings like this one played a crucial role in circulating images and ideas. Before photography, these were essential for disseminating portraits and other artworks, creating a visual culture. It is a reflection of labor and skill, in contrast to the more mechanical forms of reproduction that would later become dominant. The image is as much about Houbraken's skills as an engraver, and the value of the image itself, than simply a record of Handel's likeness. It bridges the gap between skilled craft and artistic expression.