Ontvangst van de Prinses van Savoye door haar gemaal Filips V van Spanje 1701 - 1702

This print, "Reception of the Princess of Savoy by her Husband Philip V of Spain," was made using engraving, a process involving skilled labor and specialized tools. The engraver meticulously carves lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This intaglio process results in fine, crisp lines and intricate detail, requiring considerable time and precision. The material properties of the metal plate dictate the depth and texture of the lines, influencing the overall aesthetic. The act of engraving, while seemingly removed from the opulence it depicts, is deeply connected to the social context of its creation. The production of such prints relied on workshops and skilled artisans, highlighting the division of labor prevalent in the era. The work underscores how "craft" and "fine art" are not separate, but intertwined aspects of visual culture, each informing and enriching the other.