Portret van Johannes 't Serclaes, graaf van Tilly Possibly 1630 - 1646

This portrait of Johannes 't Serclaes, made by Pieter de Jode I, is an engraving, a printmaking technique involving cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. The material qualities of the copper plate allow for precise and repeatable imagery, making it ideal for disseminating portraits and other images widely. This process democratized art, making images accessible beyond the elite. Engraving demands skill and labor, transforming base metal into a valuable object. The lines incised by the engraver's tools capture light and shadow, lending the portrait depth and presence. The act of printing itself, pressing the paper against the inked plate, imparts a tactile quality to the image. Consider how the medium shapes our perception of power and status, transforming the very essence of the person it represents. It's a fusion of craft, design, and materiality, challenging traditional notions of fine art.