Portret van prins Friedrich Heinrich Ludwig van Pruisen 1767

Editor: So, this is a print titled "Portret van prins Friedrich Heinrich Ludwig van Pruisen," created by Georg Friedrich Schmidt in 1767. It has an almost photographic quality. What’s striking to me is the incredible detail in the prince's clothing, the textures look so opulent! What can you tell me about it? Curator: Considering Schmidt’s meticulous engraving technique, we see a real emphasis on the materials represented – the velvet, silk, and metallic embroidery practically leap off the page. This isn't just about portraying a likeness; it’s about showcasing wealth and status through meticulously rendered textiles and adornments. Look closely at the fur trim – what does its inclusion suggest to you? Editor: I suppose the fur shows luxury, but does it mean more than that, considering its materiality? Is it saying something specific about the Prussian court or trade relations at the time? Curator: Precisely! Fur was a commodity, subject to complex trade routes and social regulations. Its presence signifies Prussia’s involvement in this network. Think also about the labour involved in creating this image. Schmidt wasn't simply an artist; he was a skilled artisan, using tools to translate textures and forms into a reproducible image. His tools and workshop practices played an integral role in the final image. It also makes me think about the accessibility this print gave people to the Prince - and the potential revenue from producing and selling such prints. Editor: That's fascinating. It's easy to get caught up in the Prince and his image, but considering the material realities gives a whole new layer to the work. Curator: Absolutely. It moves us beyond just admiring the aesthetic, to analyzing the complex processes of production, consumption, and the social contexts that underpin artistic creation. Editor: This perspective really shifts how I understand this kind of portraiture. It becomes less about individual genius and more about a nexus of making and exchange. Thanks for broadening my view. Curator: Indeed. Now you know the real skill it takes to produce items such as these and that even copies or recreations have real skill behind their creation.