Portret van Murad I 1692 - 1745

This is Claude DuBosc’s “Portret van Murad I,” an engraving made around the turn of the 18th century. Engraving is a printmaking process that demands precision and control, achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to be transferred to paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the entire image is constructed from these lines. The varying density and depth of these marks create the illusion of shading and form. The engraver’s skill is evident in the intricate details of Murad's clothing and the architectural setting. But the real labor lies in the slow, painstaking process of cutting those lines, which reflects a significant investment of time and expertise. By understanding the material and making of this print, we can more fully appreciate its cultural and social significance. It’s not just a picture, but a testament to the engraver’s craft, existing within a larger history of image-making and the circulation of knowledge.