Portret van Dietrich von Anhalt-Dessau 1730 - 1803

This portrait of Dietrich von Anhalt-Dessau, now at the Rijksmuseum, was made by Johann Christian Gottfried Fritzsch using engraving, a printmaking technique with a long history. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The resulting image has a distinctive crispness and precision. Here, the material qualities of the engraving—the fine lines and tonal gradations—capture the likeness of the sitter, and the texture of his armor, with remarkable detail. This speaks to the skill and labor-intensive nature of the engraving process. Each line represents a deliberate mark made by the artist, requiring both technical expertise and artistic vision. The printmaking medium also allowed for the wider circulation of images, playing a crucial role in disseminating knowledge. Considering the historical context, the print embodies a specific moment in the history of image-making. It underscores the value of craft and skilled labor in the production of art, as well as the cultural function of printed images in society.