Portret van Johan Maurits, graaf van Nassau-Siegen 1625 - 1699

This print of Johan Maurits, Count of Nassau-Siegen, was made anonymously, using a technique called engraving. This process involves carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using immense pressure to transfer the image to paper. Looking closely, you can see how the density and direction of the engraved lines create a sense of form and texture, from the sheen on his armor to the delicate lace of his collar. Engraving was not only a means of artistic expression, but also a crucial method for disseminating information and reproducing images, playing a vital role in shaping public opinion and cultural identity. The detailed work required a high degree of skill and precision, reflecting a time when craft and artistry were deeply intertwined. Considering the materials, making, and context of this print, it's clear that it was more than just a portrait. It was a carefully crafted object with social significance that blurred the boundaries between art, craft, and communication.