Portret van Catharina van Habsburg 1546 - 1562

Frans Huys made this portrait of Catharina van Habsburg in 1556 using engraving. This is an intaglio process, where the image is incised into a plate, and then printed, a technique demanding meticulous labor. Look closely, and you'll see the network of fine lines that create the image. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve these lines into a copper plate. The depth and density of these lines create the tonal variations, giving volume to Catharina's face and the rich fabric of her dress. The print medium itself also speaks to the social context of the artwork. As a multiple, it allowed for wider distribution of Catharina's image. In contrast to painting or sculpture, printmaking democratized representation, making it accessible to a broader audience. So, as you consider this image, remember the labor and skill involved in its making, and the way that it was circulated in society. It is a reminder that even seemingly straightforward portraits are full of material and social meaning.