Portret van Carl Philipp von Schwarzenberg 1810

This is a portrait of Carl Philipp von Schwarzenberg, made by Ferdinand Karl Theodor Christoph Peter Freiherr von Lütgendorff-Leinburg using engraving. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique where lines are cut into a metal plate, and the cuts hold ink. In this case, the image is created with closely spaced, fine lines. Look closely, and you'll notice how the varying density of these lines creates the shading and detail in Schwarzenberg's face and uniform. The engraver had to be highly skilled, using specialized tools to precisely cut the lines. This process demanded not only technical expertise, but also time and labor. The precision of the engraving emphasizes the sitter's status, reflecting the hierarchies of 19th-century European society. The print could then be reproduced, allowing for wider dissemination of the image and further reinforcing Schwarzenberg's public persona. Considering the materials and processes involved here helps us appreciate the artistic skill and the social context embedded in this seemingly simple portrait.