Portret van Cornelis de Nobelaer 1630 - 1677

Adriaen Lommelin created this print of Cornelis de Nobelaer in the 17th century using engraving. The linear quality of the work is a direct result of the incising process, where the artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate. The material reality of engraving had significant influence on the image's appearance, its texture, weight, and form all determined by the sharp, precise cuts that define the figures and ornate decorations. The image is imbued with cultural significance through the skilled tradition of printmaking, reflecting the high degree of technical mastery required to produce such detailed work. These practices are tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption; the amount of work that went into this production is evident in every line. It demonstrates the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.