Portret van Hussein, dey van Algiers c. 1829 - 1840

This is a portrait of Hussein, dey of Algiers, made by Ferdinand Bahmann sometime in the 19th century. It's a print, likely an engraving or etching, processes that rely on the controlled erosion of a metal plate. The fine lines you see are the result of acid biting into the metal, a testament to both the artist's skill and the corrosive power of industrial chemistry. Consider the stark contrast between the subject, a North African ruler, and the European technique used to portray him. Printmaking was a key technology in the spread of information and imagery, a direct product of burgeoning capitalism. This portrait embodies the complex relationship between Europe and the world it sought to represent and, ultimately, to dominate. The labor involved in producing such a print is also significant. From the initial drawing to the careful etching and printing, each step required specialized knowledge and skill. This image is not just a portrait, but an artifact of a specific moment in the history of craft and industrial production.