Portret van Johan van der Does 1684 - 1743

This is a portrait of Johan van der Does, made by Jan Lamsvelt in the early 18th century, created with engraving. Engraving is a printmaking technique where the artist incises a design onto a metal plate, often copper. The depth and density of the lines determine the tonal range of the final print. Look closely, and you can see how Lamsvelt varied the marks to create a sense of light and shadow, giving the portrait its lifelike quality. This was a laborious process, requiring great skill. Prints like this one played an important role in disseminating images and ideas in the early modern period, before photography. They made art accessible to a wider audience, but also provided a powerful tool for social messaging, especially during the Enlightenment. The level of detail achieved speaks to the value placed on meticulous handwork and the cultural importance of portraiture at this time.