Portretten van Cornelis Visscher II, Christian van den Queborn en Gilles Mostaert 1764

This print of three portraits was made by Jan l' Admiral, sometime between 1699 and 1773. It is a very interesting object to consider from the point of view of process. Here, the artist used engraving, working lines into a metal plate which would then be inked and printed. The fineness of the lines speaks to the engraver's skill, and also to the status of the men portrayed. Note the ruffs worn by the sitters, all rendered meticulously. It took considerable time and effort to make this print. The reproductive nature of this work is key. It would have circulated, making these images of artists available to a broad public. In this way, it contributed to the formation of the art world, a social sphere built on the circulation of images and ideas. In a sense, it is a commodity made to celebrate the world of art.