Portret van keizer Frans I Stefan 18th century

This print of Emperor Franz I Stefan was made by J. Mibel using engraving, a process involving the careful carving of lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The image appears in monochrome, but the skilled use of hatching and cross-hatching suggests a range of tones. Engraving was a highly valued skill, demanding years of apprenticeship to master. The labor involved is considerable, yet the printmaking process also allowed for the reproduction and dissemination of images on a relatively wide scale. This enabled portraiture and other forms of visual propaganda to reach audiences beyond the elite circles who could afford original paintings or sculptures. So, while the subject of this print embodies power, the artwork itself speaks to the democratizing potential inherent in craft and mechanical reproduction. It's a reminder that art objects are always the product of many hands and social forces, not just individual genius.