Portret van Philipp Gerhard Grueling op 74-jarige leeftijd c. 1667

This print, depicting Philipp Gerhard Grueling at 74 years old, was made by Simon Grimm in the late 17th century. The technique is engraving, a process involving meticulous labor. Grimm would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. The image’s stark contrast comes directly from this process. Look closely, and you’ll see how Grimm varies the density of lines to create areas of light and shadow, building up a remarkable sense of volume. The choice of engraving speaks volumes about the social context. Prints like these were relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wider audience than painted portraits. They allowed for the dissemination of images and ideas, contributing to a growing culture of information exchange. In that sense, this print isn’t just a portrait, it’s a product of its time, reflecting new possibilities for production and consumption. It invites us to consider how materials, making, and context all contribute to an artwork's meaning.