Portret van Johann Jakob Köchlin 1817 - 1862

This portrait of Johann Jakob Köchlin was made by Emanuel Scheurmann using an engraving technique. This process involves incising an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create prints on paper. The detailed lines and shading visible in the portrait highlight the precision required in engraving. Scheurmann has skillfully used line work to define Köchlin's features, clothing, and hair, giving the image depth and texture. As a print, this image is inherently reproducible. Engraving was particularly significant in the 19th century as a means of disseminating images widely, democratizing access to art and information. This portrait not only captures the likeness of Johann Jakob Köchlin, but also reflects the industrial and cultural context of its time, where printmaking facilitated the spread of knowledge and visual culture. Recognizing the labor and technology involved challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.