Johan Frederik Kirchheiner 1851

Peter Gemzøe made this portrait of Johan Frederik Kirchheiner, using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands a high degree of skill. The process begins with a metal plate, typically copper. Using a tool called a burin, the artist carves lines directly into the plate. These incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure, creating the final image. Look closely, and you can see the dense network of fine lines that give the portrait its detail and tonal range. Engraving was once crucial for reproducing images, a task now largely taken over by photography. However, in Gemzøe’s time, this painstaking process was vital for disseminating knowledge, documenting likenesses, and creating art for a growing middle class. It sits between the tradition of fine arts and the mechanics of commercial production, raising questions about the value of skilled hand work in an increasingly industrial world. By appreciating the labor involved, we recognize the portrait as more than just an image; it's a testament to Gemzøe's artistry.