Portret van Nicolaus von Burghaus 1630

This is a portrait of Nicolaus von Burghaus, made in 1630 by Lucas Kilian. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper. The plate would then be inked and printed onto paper. Notice the extraordinary level of detail. Kilian has used a technique called hatching, building up tone with closely spaced parallel lines. Look closely at the face and the opulent jacket - observe how the varying density and direction of the lines create the illusion of depth, texture, and form. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training. The engraver needed to be both a technically proficient craftsman, capable of manipulating tools with precision, and an artist with a keen eye for detail. The resulting prints, like this portrait, were luxury goods. They were collected by wealthy patrons who valued both the artistry and the status they conveyed. Consider the labor and skill embedded in this artwork. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images can be the product of extensive work, deeply intertwined with social hierarchies and the economics of production.