Portret van Louis de Bourbon, graaf van Soissons 1628 - 1670

This print, depicting Louis de Bourbon, Count of Soissons, was made by Pieter de Jode the Younger, likely in the mid-17th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, using a tool called a burin. The artist would have painstakingly cut lines into the plate’s surface, creating grooves that hold ink. This was then transferred to paper under high pressure, resulting in the image you see. Notice the fineness of the lines, particularly in the Count’s hair and the details of his armor. The textures and tones are built up through careful cross-hatching and stippling. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training and a steady hand. It was also a reproductive medium. Prints like these allowed portraits to be disseminated widely, solidifying the Count’s image and status. The medium itself, therefore, speaks to the social dynamics of power and representation in the early modern era. We shouldn't forget the intense labor involved in the production process; the many hours required to create this image.