De dwerg Veith Knollinger von Pinklfeldt, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

This print of Veith Knollinger, a dwarf, dates from around 1710 and was made by Martin Engelbrecht. It's an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed with ink. The real artistry lies in the skilled handwork required to create such detailed lines and textures. Notice how the engraver uses varied line weights to give form to Veith's clothing and facial features. The subtle cross-hatching creates shading and depth. The application of color is also a hand process. Each print would have been individually painted. This combination of mechanical reproduction and hand finishing is key. The printmaking industry allowed images to circulate widely, catering to a growing market for affordable art. But it also relied on the expertise and labor of skilled artisans, caught between industrialization and craft traditions. These prints offer a fascinating glimpse into the visual culture of the time and the complex relationship between art, labor, and commerce.