Portret van Gustav Philipp Mörl 1740

This is a portrait of Gustav Philipp Mörl, created by Georg Martin Preissler, using engraving. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, where the artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, and wiped off the surface, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The nature of the process gives the image very fine detail and tonal range. Look closely, and you will see the remarkable level of detail achieved by Preissler. The complex and time consuming nature of engraving meant that prints such as these were luxury items. They reflect the sitter’s status and the engraver’s skill, capturing not just a likeness, but also a sense of social standing. This engraving speaks volumes about the skilled labor involved in its creation, and the cultural values it represents. It bridges the worlds of fine art and craft.