Portret van Alfons V van Aragón 1549 - 1575

This print of Alfonso V of Aragon was made anonymously, using a technique called engraving. The image is constructed by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which would have required significant skill and training. The density and direction of these lines create tone and texture, building up the forms of Alfonso's armor and features. It's important to remember that the production of armor in this period was a highly specialized craft. The smooth, reflective surfaces seen here are testament to the armorer’s expertise in metalworking – skills that would have been closely guarded and passed down through generations. The print allows this kind of craftsmanship to be circulated widely. Though seemingly worlds apart, both the armorer and the printmaker are reliant on the labor of others – from the miners who extract the metal ore, to the merchants who facilitate its trade. Considering these production processes, the print becomes more than just a portrait. It's a document of its time, reflecting complex economic and social relationships.