Portret van Charlotte de Bourbon 1581 - 1667

This small portrait of Charlotte de Bourbon was created anonymously, using engraving techniques. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed. The precision of the engraved line allows for a high level of detail, evident in the delicate rendering of Charlotte’s features and attire. This was a skilled, labor-intensive process, placing the print firmly within a context of craft production. The material itself—likely copper—would have been costly, signifying the sitter's status. The proliferation of prints in this era also speaks to broader issues of social class, labor and consumption: a burgeoning market for images, fueled by new possibilities for production and distribution. Considering the work, it is important to note that prints like these often circulated as independent objects, contributing to a visual culture that blurred boundaries between portraiture, information, and decoration. Ultimately, understanding its making, material, and context deepens our appreciation of this intimate portrayal.