Portret van J. Arenfeldt 1801 - 1823

Johann Jakob Rieter made this portrait of J. Arenfeldt, a captain in the Danish Navy, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve meticulous work, where the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, draws through it to expose the metal, then immerses the plate in acid. This etches the lines, allowing for incredibly fine detail and tonal variation. Look closely, and you'll notice the crisp lines defining Arenfeldt's profile and the delicate shading that gives depth to his uniform. The choice of printmaking, rather than painting, speaks to a wider distribution of images and ideas. Portraits like these served not only as records of individuals but also as symbols of power and status, and the labor involved in their production – from the engraver's skill to the printer's craft – reflects the complex social dynamics of the time. By appreciating the materials and making, we can understand the full meaning of this artwork.