Doop van Filips van Frankrijk, hertog van Orléans 1818 - 1876

This print, made by Carel Christiaan Antony Last, depicts the baptism of Philip of France, Duke of Orleans. The image is rendered through engraving, a process of incising lines onto a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The very act of creating an engraving involves skilled labor and meticulous craftsmanship. The dense networks of lines capture the textures of the fabrics worn by the Duke of Orleans and his court. Engraving, like other forms of printmaking, allowed for the reproduction and dissemination of images, connecting it to broader social and political events. The baptism of a royal heir was a significant occasion, and making it accessible to a wider audience would reinforce the legitimacy and continuity of the ruling family. The print then becomes an artifact of its time, reflecting the values, power structures, and cultural norms of the era.