Portret van William Shakespeare 1841 - 1885

This is a portrait of William Shakespeare, made by Joseph Schubert, and it’s a great example of the printmaking process known as engraving. The image is created by meticulously incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Notice the fineness of the lines, which create subtle gradations of tone, especially in the face and the elaborate ruff collar. The quality of the lines reflects the skill and labor involved in this traditional technique. Engraving was a painstaking process, requiring a deep understanding of materials and tools, which elevated the status of printmakers like Schubert as skilled artisans. The proliferation of printed images also speaks to the rise of a broader visual culture, where portraits of important cultural figures were increasingly accessible. So, next time you see an engraving, remember the intricate process and the cultural context that made it possible. By considering the labor and skill embedded in this artwork, we can challenge the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, and appreciate the rich history of printmaking.