Portret van paus Pius V 1568

This print of Pope Pius the Fifth was made by Philippe de Soye in the 16th century, using a technique called engraving. Engraving involves painstakingly incising a design into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Notice how the image is built up from many tiny lines, each one carefully cut into the copper. The density of these lines creates tone and shadow, giving the portrait its three-dimensional quality. The engraver’s skill is evident in the subtle textures, from the fabric of the Pope’s robes to the lines on his face. The whole process demanded precision and control, reflecting the status of printmaking as a highly skilled craft. Prints like this played a vital role in disseminating images and ideas in early modern Europe. While seemingly modest, they represent a potent intersection of artistry, technology, and the social context of their time, challenging any strict distinction between art and craft.