Portret van Christiaan IV, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen 1608

This print of Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway, was made in 1608 by Hendrick Hondius I. It is an engraving, a process by which an image is incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see how the crisp lines create areas of light and shadow, defining the King’s features and opulent clothing. Hondius clearly had tremendous skill and control, using hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and texture. Consider the labor involved in producing such detail, and the expertise required to do so. Engraving was a highly valued skill, but also a form of industrial production. Prints like this one were relatively affordable, making them a key way for rulers like Christian IV to disseminate their image and project power. They are evidence of a complex interplay of craft, commerce, and class in the early modern world.