Portret van Johann Arndt 1638

This is Peter Rollos's portrait of Johann Arndt, and it was made using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands time and precision. The dense lines and intricate details give a tactile quality to the print, and these are achieved by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The process is inherently reproductive, fitting for Arndt, a theologian whose writings were widely disseminated. But look closely, and you'll notice how the materiality influences the appearance of the work. The sharp, clean lines of the engraving lend a sense of clarity and order, reflecting Arndt's desire to bring structure to religious thought. The dark shadows created by the ink evoke a sense of depth and mystery, suggesting the profound nature of spiritual inquiry. The production process itself, with its laborious carving and printing, parallels the effort and devotion required for religious understanding. Rollos's choice of engraving elevates the status of printmaking, demonstrating its capacity for nuanced expression. It proves that the so-called 'minor arts' are capable of the same depth and complexity as painting or sculpture.