Portret van Godard, baron van Reede-Ginckel, graaf van Athlone 1670 - 1713

This print of Godard, Baron van Reede-Ginckel, Count of Athlone, was made by Pieter Schenk, using an engraving technique. This involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink so that it fills those lines, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the material qualities influence the artwork. The precision of metal engraving allows for incredibly fine detail, which Schenk uses to render the baron’s elaborate wig and the reflective surfaces of his armor. The baron's clothing is also crucial to understanding this work, particularly the expertly crafted metal armor. Consider the labor required to make such armor, and the way it represents military might and social status. Ultimately, the print invites us to think about the relationship between materials, making, and representation. It challenges us to consider the skilled labor involved in both the creation of the artwork and the objects depicted within it.