Cenotaaf voor Koning Philips IV van Spanje in de Kathedraal te Antwerpen, 1665 1665 - 1667

This print, made by Lucas Vorsterman the Younger in 1665, depicts the Cenotaph for King Philip IV of Spain, erected in Antwerp Cathedral. It's a detailed engraving, a process involving meticulous carving into a metal plate, inking, and then printing. The image shows an elaborate, temporary structure. It's not built to last, yet it commemorates enduring power. Consider the labor involved: the design, the carving of the original monument, its construction, and finally, Vorsterman's translation of all this into a print. This illustrates a complex hierarchy of labor, from the anonymous artisans who realized the physical structure, to Vorsterman himself, interpreting it for a wider audience. The print itself serves as a kind of monument, a more accessible and permanent commemoration than the original ephemeral structure. This reflects the growing power of printmaking in disseminating images and solidifying historical narratives. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and propaganda, reminding us that even seemingly straightforward images are carefully constructed to convey specific messages.