Portret van Karel Emanuel I 1625

This is an engraving of Karel Emanuel I, made by Willem de Haen. The image is made using a printmaking process, specifically engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. Look closely and you can see the incredible detail, achieved through the skillful manipulation of lines, which define forms, create tonal variations, and convey textures. Consider how much labor went into its production. Engravings like this were not just about replicating an image, but about celebrating the technical skill and artistic mastery required to produce them. The choice of printmaking as a medium speaks to the democratizing potential of the medium. It is through the careful and deliberate making process, that the portrait becomes more than just a likeness; it is a statement about the power of craft, and the value of human ingenuity and labor. By appreciating the materiality and making of this engraving, we can move beyond traditional notions of art and engage with the rich social and cultural significance embedded within it.