Portret van Johann Georg Eck 1799

This stipple engraving of Johann Georg Eck was created by Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger. The process of stipple engraving involves using a variety of small dots to create an image, rather than lines. The engraver uses a special tool to create tiny indentations in a copper plate. These marks hold ink, which is then transferred to paper, creating the image. The effect, as we see here, is a soft, textured look, quite different from the sharp lines of traditional engraving. Consider the labor involved in such a process. Each dot represents a deliberate action, a testament to the engraver's patience and skill. In a pre-photographic era, this kind of printmaking served as a crucial technology for reproducing images and disseminating knowledge. It's important to remember that this image wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about communication, documentation, and perhaps even commerce. Paying attention to the materials, making, and historical context allows us to appreciate the artistry and the work that went into creating this print.