Portret van Johann Friedrich Joachim 1723 - 1767

Gottfried August Gründler created this portrait of Johann Friedrich Joachim, using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands precision and control. The image is built from tiny, deliberate marks incised into a metal plate, probably copper, that is then inked and pressed onto paper. The density of the lines creates the illusion of tone and texture, from the fine lace at Johann's collar to the heavy drape behind him. Look closely at the lines that define Johann’s face, and consider the number of passes the artist would have needed to make to build up the image. Engraving like this was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training, and was often associated with commercial printmaking, used for reproducing images and texts efficiently. The level of detail and artistry elevates this portrait beyond mere reproduction, highlighting the tension between craft, labor, and artistic expression.