Borstbeeld in ovaal van Charlotte van Mecklenburgin, gemalin van George III van Engeland. 1760 - 1820

This oval portrait of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen consort of Great Britain and Ireland, is an engraving on paper. Though the artist is unknown, the print would have been made by a skilled artisan, trained in the subtle art of manipulating metal plates to create an image. Engraving is an intaglio process; lines are incised into a metal plate, ink is applied, and then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The fine lines capture the Queen's profile, the texture of her hair, and the intricate details of her jewelry and dress. As a relatively reproducible medium, engravings like this played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas in the 18th century. This image speaks to the rise of print culture, and the demand for accessible representations of prominent figures like Queen Charlotte. It is a testament to the skilled labor involved in printmaking and the power of images in shaping public perception.