Sterfbed van Maximiliaan II Emanuel van Beieren 1727

This print, made by Leonard Schenk, depicts the deathbed of Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria. It was created using engraving, a process in which lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The choice of engraving speaks to the cultural context of the time. It was a cost-effective means of pictorial reproduction, widely used for disseminating information. The precision and detail afforded by this technique elevates the scene with a sense of formality and importance. Notice how the artist captures the textures of the ornate bed hangings and the solemn expressions of the figures. It’s not merely a record of a historical event, but a carefully crafted representation of power and succession. The labor involved in creating such an intricate print reflects the value placed on preserving and communicating these narratives. The print challenges our notions of 'high art' by demonstrating the cultural work that such a medium could achieve.