Portret van Hieronymus Brückner op 53-jarige leeftijd 1692

This print, depicting Hieronymus Brückner, was made by Johann Georg Göbel using engraving, a printmaking technique that dates back to the 15th century. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, traditionally copper. The plate is then inked, and the ink is wiped from the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image is transferred. The resulting print is characterized by its fine, precise lines and tonal gradations. The engraver's skill is crucial here. Göbel would have needed a deep understanding of the burin and the pressures required to achieve the desired effect. The process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, reflecting the value placed on skilled handcraft in the production of images. Prints like this one facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and ideas during the early modern period. They stand as a testament to the intersection of craft, technology, and social communication.