Portret van Christian Furchtegott Gellert 1837

This is Reinier Vinkeles's engraving of Christian Furchtegott Gellert, made in Amsterdam. It's an image brought into being through skilled labor. The image is created by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The crisp lines and delicate shading are products of a trained hand, using specialized tools to control the depth and width of each mark. These lines create the portrait and typography. The material qualities of the print – its smooth surface, the contrast of ink and paper – all speak to the precision and control involved in the printmaking process. Engraving played a vital role in disseminating knowledge and culture, but it was also a commercial practice, relying on a division of labor and a system of patronage. By paying attention to these material and social dimensions, we can appreciate the full complexity of this seemingly simple image, moving beyond the traditional categories of fine art and craft.