Erik Plovpenning 1646

This print of Erik Plovpenning was made using engraving, a process where an image is incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. The material quality of the print—its crisp lines and fine details—results directly from the engraver's skilled labor. The image is built up through careful, precise cuts into the metal, demanding years of training and a steady hand. These skills were acquired through long apprenticeships; they are far removed from the quick reproduction of the digital era. Consider the social context: prints like this circulated widely, enabling the dissemination of royal imagery and solidifying power. The act of engraving transforms the monarch’s image into a commodity, available for purchase and distribution, thereby playing an integral part in early modern visual culture. By considering the material and the making, we can appreciate the artistry inherent in this humble printed image. It challenges our traditional understanding of 'art' by highlighting the essential roles of craft, labor, and social context.