Portret van Hans Caspar Hirzel 1669

This print was made by Conrad Meyer, likely in the 17th century, using engraving techniques on paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how the engraver employed a variety of techniques to create subtle tonal variations and textures. Notice the detailed lines that define Hirzel's facial features, and the more densely worked areas that create the shadows and depth. The whole thing is based on the controlled scoring of a metal plate, a painstaking process. Prints like this were critical to the circulation of images and ideas, acting as a form of mass media before photography. This portrait served not only as a likeness of Hans Caspar Hirzel, but also as a statement of his status and the engraver’s skill. Considering the materials and processes used, we can appreciate this print not just as a picture, but as a product of skilled labor, and a key component of the visual culture of its time.