Portret van Peter Ernst graaf van Mansfeld 1851 - 1853

This is an engraving made by Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben, depicting Peter Ernst, Count of Mansfeld. Engraving is a printmaking technique, using a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, usually copper. The plate is inked, and then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Paper is then pressed firmly against the plate, transferring the ink to create the print. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that define the Count’s features, his elaborate ruff, and the details of his armor. The engraver’s skill is evident in the control and precision of the lines. This technique allowed for the creation of multiple copies, making the Count’s image accessible to a wider audience. The print served as a means of disseminating his image, reinforcing his status and power, making visible the relationship between labor, material and value. The act of reproducing the count's image highlights the burgeoning power of print media during this era.