Portret van Christian Julius Bockelmann 1735 - 1769

This print of Christian Julius Bockelmann was made by Christian Fritzsch, and it showcases the engraver's skill with line and tone. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a surface, in this case a metal plate. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into the metal, then ink would be applied to the plate, filling the lines. The surface is wiped clean, and the print is made by pressing paper against the plate. The act of engraving, with its precise and meticulous nature, speaks to the cultural values of the time. The sharp lines and contrasts give the portrait a sense of formality and decorum, perfectly befitting the subject's status as a Consistorialis and Archidiaconus. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image, a testament to the engraver's dedication. By attending to the materials and methods used, we recognize the critical role of craft in shaping visual culture, and blur the boundaries between art, production, and social status.