Portret van Lodewijk XV van Frankrijk 1733

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of Louis XV of France. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, inked, and then printed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the remarkable amount of detail achieved through the careful arrangement of lines and dots. Bernigeroth would have used specialized tools to meticulously carve the image into the plate, a labor-intensive process demanding considerable skill. Engraving had long been used for reproduction, but by the 18th century, it was increasingly recognized as a fine art in its own right. This portrait reflects that shift, showcasing the engraver's virtuosity in capturing the likeness and grandeur of the French monarch. The very act of reproducing Louis XV, even in monochrome, speaks to the power dynamics of the time, where images reinforced social hierarchies. This print demonstrates how technical skill, artistic expression, and social context intertwine. It challenges us to look beyond the subject matter and appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural forces at play in its creation.