Portret van Boguslaw Radziwill 1654

Jeremias Falck created this portrait of Boguslaw Radziwill in 1654 using engraving, a printmaking technique involving cutting lines into a metal plate. The image is built up from many tiny marks, resulting in smooth gradations of tone. Look closely, and you can see that the qualities of the metal have a direct influence on the image: the precision, the ability to render fine detail, and the slightly cold quality, which is so different from a painting. The labor-intensive process has imbued the artwork with a sense of meticulousness and care. Engraving was essential for the circulation of images in the early modern era. This print allowed Radziwill's image to be widely distributed, reinforcing his power and status through visual representation. The choice of engraving speaks to a desire for precision and permanence, aligning with the subject's self-image as a leader and a man of substance. Considering materials, making, and context is crucial for understanding the artwork's cultural significance, and its entanglement with social status.