Portret van Johann Jakob Breitinger 1759 - 1815

Editor: Here we have Heinrich Pfenninger's "Portret van Johann Jakob Breitinger," dating somewhere between 1759 and 1815, executed as an engraving. The level of detail achieved with the engraving technique is remarkable. What stands out to you about the production of this piece? Curator: What's compelling is how the choice of engraving – a reproducible medium – democratizes access to Breitinger's image. Consider the division of labor involved. Who created the original design? Who executed the engraving? The means of production inform the reception of the portrait. How does the medium influence our understanding of Breitinger’s social standing? Editor: I see what you mean. The act of reproducing the image suggests an intention beyond a simple portrait. Curator: Precisely. The texture and the tones are entirely shaped by the engraver's skilled hand manipulating metal and acid. How might this contrast with a painted portrait of the same era in terms of labor and value? Consider, too, the relative affordability of an engraving versus a painted portrait, and what this signifies. Editor: That's interesting to consider. It makes me think about the relationship between art, labor, and accessibility in the 18th century. I hadn’t thought about the affordability and who might have owned the image, before. Curator: Thinking about the material realities really opens up a lot more angles to understanding the image. What started out as a Baroque style artwork leads to questions of production and labor, impacting social status and access.