Portret van François Louis de Bourbon prins van Condé 1682 - 1730

Jacobus Harrewijn made this portrait of François Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, employing the technique of engraving. This process involves incising an image onto a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. Notice how the material and process dictate the artwork’s appearance. The incised lines, precise and deliberate, create a network of marks that define the Prince’s features, armor, and elaborate frame. The technique necessitates a high degree of skill, passed down through generations of artisans. Engraving also allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, making it a powerful tool for disseminating information and propaganda in early modern Europe. Consider the social context: this portrait would have served to immortalize and celebrate the Prince, reinforcing his status and power. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we can appreciate the complex interplay between art, craft, and social history.