Portret van Christian August Clodius 1752 - 1803

Editor: Here we have Christian Gottlieb Geyser’s portrait of Christian August Clodius, an engraving from between 1752 and 1803, at the Rijksmuseum. It’s… interesting, a very formal portrait, but what catches my eye is the incredible detail achieved through engraving. What stands out to you? Curator: The engraving is key. It places this work firmly within a specific social and economic context. We have to consider the labor involved, the tools, the very materiality of the copper plate and the paper it’s printed on. This isn't just about Clodius’s likeness; it's about the system of production that allows such an image to exist and circulate. Editor: So, it’s less about the *who* and more about the *how*? The engraving as a commodity almost? Curator: Precisely. Engravings allowed for the mass production and dissemination of images, catering to a growing middle class with disposable income. This portrait becomes a consumable object, a statement of status for both Clodius and the buyer. Look at the intricate details – that's not just artistry, it's skilled labor. What do those details suggest to you about the market for such an item? Editor: That only the wealthy could afford something so detailed and time consuming to produce! I hadn't really thought of the artist's time and skill as something for sale… more that they’re capturing someone's likeness. Curator: The likeness is secondary, serving the primary purpose of economic and social display. Consider the rise of paper production at this time, and the printing press - those all enabled a new era of cultural output. It’s a fascinating confluence of art, labor, and commerce, all embedded in this single image. Editor: That definitely reframes my understanding of the work! It's not just a portrait; it's a product of its time, shaped by economics and industry. Thanks!