Portret van Marten Rijckaert 1682

This print of Marten Rijckaert was made by Edme de Boulonois using an engraving technique. The essence of engraving lies in cutting lines directly into a metal plate, traditionally copper, with a tool called a burin. Look closely and you’ll see how the density and direction of these hand-carved lines create tone, texture, and form, almost like a topographic map. The engraver’s skill in manipulating the burin determines the fineness of the lines, and thus the level of detail achieved. Boulonois used this process to capture the rich textures of Rijckaert's fur-lined robe, hat and beard. Engraving, unlike etching, requires immense skill and physical control, as the artist is directly shaping the metal. The resulting image, when printed, has a crisp, precise quality. The print could then be reproduced for sale. This act democratizes image-making, taking it away from the canvas and easel and into wider circulation. It also acknowledges the engraver as a skilled maker in their own right, whose labour is essential to the print's creation. Ultimately, understanding the process allows us to appreciate the artistry and time embedded in this small but compelling portrait.