Portret van Ludwig von Hörnigk 1650 - 1654

Matthias van Sommer made this portrait of Ludwig von Hörnigk using engraving, a printmaking technique that requires great skill and patience. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the design is cut using a tool called a burin. The artist pushes the burin through the metal, creating clean, precise lines. Ink is then forced into these lines, the surface wiped clean, and the image transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you can see the remarkable level of detail achieved here, from the delicate shading of Hörnigk’s face to the intricate patterns of his clothing. Engraving was a laborious, highly skilled craft, often associated with commercial reproduction. Yet, as this image shows, it could also be a powerful medium for artistic expression. The sharp, graphic quality of the lines lends the portrait a sense of clarity and precision, fitting for a man of intellect and status. Appreciating the craft involved allows us to see this print not just as a historical record, but as a testament to human ingenuity, blurring boundaries between art, craft, and industry.