Portret van Maria Theresia, koningin van Frankrijk 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this portrait of Maria Theresa, Queen of France, using the intricate technique of engraving. The image is made by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. Look closely, and you'll see the incredible detail achieved through this process, from the delicate curls of her wig to the texture of her gown. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training to master the precise control of tools needed to create such fine lines and tonal variations. In the 17th and 18th centuries, prints like these were not only artistic objects but also important means of communication and dissemination of information, used to spread images of royalty and nobility across Europe. The very act of reproducing an image of power underscores the complex relationship between craft, labor, and social status. By appreciating the labor-intensive process of engraving, we can better understand the value and significance attached to images in a pre-digital age.