Portret van Georg von Frundsberg 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving depicting Georg von Frundsberg, made by an anonymous artist. Look closely at the crisp lines etched into the metal plate, likely copper, to create this portrait. The engraver would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into the plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Paper is then pressed against the plate, transferring the image. Consider the labor involved in this process. Each line, each shadow, is the result of careful, precise work. The image’s impact comes from the contrast between the dark lines and the white paper. The engraver captured not only Frundsberg’s likeness, but also the texture of his armor and the set of his jaw. Engravings like this played a vital role in disseminating images and information in the pre-photographic era, making art accessible beyond painting or sculpture. So, in appreciating this print, consider the skill and craft that went into its creation, and its role in a broader visual culture.