Portret van Christoph Christian Sturm 1778 - 1819

Gottlob August Liebe made this portrait of Christoph Christian Sturm using engraving, a printmaking technique with a rich social history. The image starts as a design carefully cut into a metal plate, typically copper. This is done using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into the surface. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed against paper, the design is transferred. Look closely, and you'll notice the fineness of line used to create the shading and detail, particularly in Sturm’s ruffled collar and powdered wig. The sharpness and precision suggest considerable skill, and a dedicated workshop. Engraving like this played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and imagery, acting as a form of mass production before photography. It allowed for the reproduction and distribution of portraits like this one, helping to shape public perception and memory. So, while this may appear to be a straightforward depiction of an eighteenth-century clergyman, it's also a testament to the power of print and its impact on society.