Portret van Johann Friedrich, Reichsgraf von Schönberg 1741 - 1767

This is a portrait of Johann Friedrich, Reichsgraf von Schönberg, made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth in the 18th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the remarkable detail achieved through this process. The fine lines create shading and texture, defining the contours of the face, the elaborate wig, and the ornate clothing of this high-ranking nobleman. Engraving demands incredible skill and patience; each line is a deliberate mark, building up the image layer by layer. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the social context of the time. It was a popular method for reproducing images, making them more accessible to a wider audience. While Schönberg himself was an elite figure, the act of creating his portrait in this way suggests a desire to circulate his image, reinforcing his status through printed media. It’s a fascinating intersection of artistry, craft, and the burgeoning culture of image production.