Peter Frederik Suhm 1797

This print, made by Andreas Flint, showcases Peter Frederik Suhm through the precise technique of engraving. Consider the engraver's skill in manipulating metal to create these delicate lines. Flint incised an image onto a metal plate, likely copper, using specialized tools called burins. The plate would then be inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. When pressed onto paper, it transferred the image, resulting in the fine lines and intricate details we see here. This process, though laborious, allowed for multiple reproductions. Prints like this made knowledge and likenesses accessible beyond the elite. The act of engraving, with its reliance on skilled handwork and mechanical reproduction, embodies the transition from craft to industry. Recognizing the labor and materials involved, from the mining of metals to the craftsmanship of engraving, enriches our appreciation. This print exists at the intersection of art, craft, and the burgeoning industrial era, demonstrating how even seemingly simple images carry complex histories of making and meaning.