Portret van Veit Burger op 72-jarige leeftijd 1641 - 1665

Johann Friedrich Fleischberger made this portrait of Veit Burger using engraving, a printmaking technique where lines are cut into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then transferred to paper. Engraving demands immense skill and precision, a real investment of labor. The dense network of fine lines creates subtle tonal variations, defining Burger’s features and the texture of his clothing. Look closely, and you can see how Fleischberger used cross-hatching to build up darker areas and suggest three-dimensionality. The crispness of the lines speaks to the control the artist had over the burin, the engraving tool. Back then, printmaking was crucial for disseminating images widely. Portraits like these weren't just about capturing a likeness, they were also about status and commemoration. The inscription surrounding the portrait emphasizes Burger’s role as a respected scholar and rector, reinforcing his social standing. Ultimately, this print demonstrates how a combination of technical skill, artistic vision, and social context come together, elevating what might seem like a simple portrait into a complex cultural artifact.