Portret van Benedikt Brummer von Bährenfeldt Possibly 1686 - 1693

Elias Hainzelmann created this print of Benedikt Brummer von Bährenfeldt in 1686, using an engraving technique. Engraving is an intaglio process, where the artist meticulously cuts lines into a metal plate, inking the grooves to transfer the image onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice how the varying density and direction of these lines create tone, texture, and form. The hatching that defines Brummer's armor, wig, and the surrounding wreath would have required immense patience and skill, reflecting the value placed on artisanal expertise during this period. But it's not just about technique; prints like these were crucial for disseminating images and ideas, functioning within a developing economy of visual reproduction. Consider the labor involved in producing each impression, and how this contrasts with the portrait's subject, a man of power and status. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are products of complex social and economic relationships, challenging any easy separation of art, craft, and commerce.