Portret van Prins Willem I van Oranje 1595 - 1605

Hendrick Goltzius made this portrait of Prince William I of Orange using silverpoint on prepared paper. The technique involves drawing with a silver stylus on a surface coated with a ground layer, often containing bone ash or chalk. The fine lines and delicate shading achieved by Goltzius reveal a mastery of the medium. Silverpoint requires precision, as mistakes are difficult to erase. The process involves a subtle burnishing of the silver onto the prepared surface, creating a lasting metallic sheen. Over time, the silver lines oxidize, resulting in a warm, brownish tone that enhances the portrait's depth. This kind of technique, demanding considerable skill and patience, reflects a tradition of meticulous craftsmanship. The choice of silverpoint elevates the portrait beyond a mere likeness, emphasizing the value of skilled labor and artistic refinement in capturing the likeness of a prominent figure. Understanding the materials and making process allows us to appreciate the work as more than just a portrait.