Portret van Karel II, koning van Engeland 1648 - 1664

This is a print of King Charles II of England, made by Cornelis van Dalen the Younger, a Dutch printmaker active in the mid-17th century. The printmaking process had become highly sophisticated by this time, and was used both for artistic expression and to disseminate images of important people like Charles. The fine lines and details you see here were achieved through the use of metal plates, acid, and specialized tools like burins and scrapers. Note the contrast between the smooth areas of the king's armor and the dense, almost velvety blacks of his hair and the background. The engraver had to possess not only technical skill, but also an understanding of how to translate tonal values into a language of line. It's this combination of craft and artistry that gives the print its visual impact. In essence, prints like this one played a key role in shaping public perception. Van Dalen’s technical virtuosity elevates the status of the sitter, while also reflecting the increasingly complex modes of production in the 17th century.