Portret van Willem I, prins van Oranje 1652 - 1663

This print of Willem I, Prince of Orange, was made anonymously using engraving. This is a printmaking technique where lines are cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The fine, precise lines create a wealth of detail, from the Prince's elaborate attire to the musculature of his horse. Engraving was a skilled craft, requiring years of training to master the use of burins, scrapers, and other specialized tools. The image would have been reproduced many times, circulating widely and shaping public perception of Willem as a leader and hero. The act of engraving – a meticulous, laborious process – imbued the image with authority and permanence, reflecting the Prince's elevated status. Paying attention to the material and making of this print helps us see how even seemingly simple images can carry complex social and political meaning. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, and consider the labor and skill that went into its creation.