Portret van Dionysius van Leuwis 1645 - 1668

Adriaen Millaert made this portrait of Dionysius van Leuwis using engraving, a printmaking technique with a fascinating connection to labor and skill. Engraving begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the artist carefully carves an image using a tool called a burin. The lines created hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, the image transfers. The density of lines and the way they're cross-hatched create tone and shadow. Note how Millaert uses this to define Dionysius’s face and the folds of his robe. The process demands precision. Each line is a deliberate act, requiring hours of focused labor. In the 17th century, printmaking was crucial for disseminating images and ideas. Engravers like Millaert weren't just artists; they were skilled technicians, participating in a wider network of production and consumption. Looking at this print, you can appreciate the sheer effort involved, a testament to both artistic vision and the value of skilled work in a pre-industrial world.