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copper printing plate

Frihsch, C.F.

1747

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

copper printing plate is a 1747 by Frihsch, C.F., a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Frihsch, C.F.
When & what style?: 1747 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This copper plate from 1747 holds designs for fancy buckles and jewelry. The artist, C.F. Frihsch, engraved eight shoe or knee buckles, a bodice ornament, and a miniature frame—all set with diamonds. The names of designer Nicolas Mensma and engraver Frihsch are etched backward along the bottom, meant to print correctly later. Diamond jewelry was a big deal in mid-1700s court life. Wearing fine jewels showed off your high status as an aristocrat. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more Baroque metalwork.

The story of this work

Overview

The copper plate features engraved designs for eight shoe or knee buckles, a bodice ornament, and a miniature portrait frame, all adorned with diamonds, reflecting mid-18th-century aristocratic fashion. The names of designer Nicolas Mensma and engraver C.F. Frihsch appear in reverse along the bottom edge, intended to print correctly when inked. The reverse side bears an oil painting of a reclining nude figure. Prints were later produced from the plate by the Royal College of Art in 2008.

Read the full account in the museum source.