Kongelig Berider 1805 - 1808

Gerhard Ludvig Lahde made this print of a Royal Rider, most likely in Copenhagen, using a technique called etching. This process involves drawing an image into a waxy ground on a metal plate. Then, acid is applied, which bites into the metal where it’s exposed, creating lines. Ink is then applied and the plate is pressed onto paper. The delicate lines and the subtle coloring speak to the labor involved in creating these images. As you can see, Lahde has taken pains to depict every detail of the rider’s uniform. From his polished boots to his elaborate hat. Prints like these were often made for a rising middle class eager to emulate the fashions of the elite. The print acts as a kind of advertisement for luxury goods. Considering the materials, making and context of the artwork helps us understand the social and cultural values of the time, while challenging any distinction between fine art and craft.