Portret van Sophia von Braschmann after 1714

This is a portrait of Sophia von Braschmann, made by Samuel Donnet as an engraving, a printmaking process that intimately links labor, class, and consumption. To create this image, Donnet would have used a tool called a burin to manually carve lines into a metal plate. The plate would then be inked, and the ink wiped away, remaining only in the incised lines. Finally, the plate would be pressed against paper, transferring the image. The fine lines and details of the portrait speak to the artist's skill and the time-intensive nature of the process, reflecting the value placed on craftsmanship in this era. Engravings like this were not just art objects; they were also a means of disseminating images and ideas. In this sense, the act of making has imbued the artwork with social significance, turning it into a powerful form of communication and a reflection of the subject’s status and the social context in which it was created. Understanding the material process of engraving allows us to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of this portrait.