Portret van Jacques Davy Duperron 1682

This print of Jacques Davy Duperron was made by Nicolas de Larmessin in the 17th century. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Think about the labor involved. Each line you see was physically carved by hand, a painstaking process demanding incredible skill. The density of these lines creates the illusion of light and shadow, bringing Duperron's face to life. Engraving was a key technology for disseminating images, acting like a pre-modern internet. While portraits in oil paint were costly and exclusive, prints like this allowed images of important figures to circulate more widely. Notice the detail in the cardinal’s robes and the texture of his beard. Larmessin used the graphic language of the engraving to convey social status. The image is a testament to both the artistry of printmaking and its function in shaping public perception.