Portret van Philippus de Lamet 1694 - 1755

Nicolas de Larmessin III created this print of Philippus de Lamet using engraving techniques. The design is achieved by cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper, resulting in fine lines and detailed textures. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the period's emphasis on precision and detail, reflecting both the engraver's skill and the social status of the sitter. Engraving was often used for reproducing portraits, making them accessible to a broader audience, indicative of emerging social dynamics and an increase in image circulation. The lines of the engraving capture the textures of his garments and the contours of his face. The precise lines and tonal gradations suggest the artist's mastery over the medium, and the labor involved in producing such detail. Consider that each line was carefully etched by hand! Appreciating the print involves recognizing the value of skilled handwork in its creation. It also invites us to rethink the status of printmaking as a form of artistic expression in its own right, and not simply as a means of reproduction.