Portret van Heinrich Grasmüller 1670 - 1686

This is a portrait of Heinrich Grasmüller by Joachim Wichmann, made sometime between 1632 and 1683. It's a small print, made by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Notice the level of detail. The engraver’s skill transforms a humble piece of paper into something precious and enduring. The crisp lines define the subject’s features, clothing, and even the texture of the book he holds. It’s a testament to the engraver's mastery, and their capacity to capture the essence of a person. But this wasn’t just about technical display. Printmaking, which really took off in the 17th century, made images more accessible to a wider audience. It became a powerful tool for disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and commemorating important figures like Grasmüller. So, in looking at this small print, consider the larger economic and social forces that shaped its production and reception.