Portret van Frederik I, koning van Pruisen 1670 - 1713

This print of Frederik I, King of Prussia, was made in Amsterdam around 1700 by Pieter Schenk. It's an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper. Ink would have been applied to the plate, then wiped away, remaining only in the etched lines. The plate was then pressed onto paper. This process allowed for multiples to be made. So while this image depicts royalty, and carries an air of exclusivity, it was in fact a product of early capitalism, designed for fairly broad distribution. Note the incredible detail achieved through line work. Schenk must have been a highly skilled artisan to render the king's elaborate wig and armor with such precision. The print is both a portrait of power, and a demonstration of the engraver's virtuosity. Ultimately, understanding the printing process gives us insight into the democratization of images and the skilled labor involved in their production.