Portretten van twee courtisanes 1635

Crispijn van de Passe the younger made this print, Portretten van twee courtisanes, using an engraving technique. The intricate details, especially in the faces and clothing, come from the skilled use of a burin to cut lines into a metal plate. Engraving, unlike drawing, is an indirect process that requires a deep understanding of how lines translate into tonal values. The graphic nature of the medium lends itself well to portraiture, capturing likeness and character. This print is not just about depiction, though. It reflects the economic realities of the time, as prints were a popular medium for circulating images, making art accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite. The choice of engraving as a medium also speaks to the culture of craftsmanship and printmaking in the 17th century. The labour and skill invested in creating the plate are considerable, resulting in a work of art that blurs the lines between commercial production and artistic expression. Ultimately, this print challenges us to think about how art is made, disseminated, and valued within a specific social context.