Portret van Karel Eduard Stuart 1735 - 1763

Jean Daullé made this portrait of Charles Edward Stuart in the mid-18th century using engraving, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. Look closely, and you will see the remarkable level of detail Daullé achieved, from the texture of the armor to the delicate rendering of Stuart’s face. The material properties of the metal plate are crucial here. Its hardness allows for fine lines and precise details, while its ability to hold ink ensures a clear impression. But the process also has social significance. Printmaking, especially engraving, enabled the wide distribution of images. This portrait, like many others, would have served to promote and disseminate a particular image of power and authority. We might even consider the relationship between this artwork and the modes of production, and consumption in 18th-century Europe. It’s a reminder that materials, making, and context are essential to understanding the full meaning of this work.