Portret van Willem I, prins van Oranje c. 1636 - 1679

Hendrick Goltzius created this print of Willem I, Prince of Orange, using the intaglio technique of engraving. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. The crispness and precision of the engraved lines allow for incredibly fine detail, which you can see in the Prince’s elaborate ruff and armor. This wasn't just about technical skill; it was about portraying status and power. Intaglio prints like this were luxury items. They required specialized knowledge and equipment, positioning them far from everyday modes of production. The very act of creating multiples made the Prince visible and reproducible. Each print embodies both artistry and the burgeoning culture of political image-making, reflecting a society increasingly shaped by politics and consumption. By emphasizing process, material, and context, we see how this print blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and the wider world.