Portret van Joannes Michael Cigala c. 1642 - 1678

This is Nicolas de Larmessin's portrait of Joannes Michael Cigala, made with engraving techniques. This printmaking method requires a skilled hand to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The image's impact comes from the dense network of fine lines that create tone, texture, and depth. Notice how the lines vary in thickness and direction, building up the fur trim of Cigala's elaborate coat, the soft texture of his hat, and the shadows on his face. The artist's labour is evident in every stroke, and the details speak of the sitter’s status and wealth. Consider this work in the context of 17th-century printmaking. It shows not just the sitter’s likeness but the engraver’s skill, raising questions about labor, artistry, and the economic system that supported such craftsmanship. The portrait goes beyond a simple likeness, encapsulating skill, labor, and economic context. By recognizing these, we resist traditional hierarchies between art and craft.