Portret van Maximiliaan II (Duits keizer) 1680 - 1750

This portrait of Maximiliaan II, the Holy Roman Emperor, was made by Pieter van Sompel sometime in the early 17th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Look closely and you’ll see the artist’s skill in capturing the textures of Maximilian’s clothing and armor, as well as the soft, fleshy quality of his face. This was achieved through different engraving techniques, like hatching and stippling, where fine lines and dots create the illusion of tone and depth. Engravings like these were not just about capturing likeness; they were also about communicating power and status. The level of detail and craftsmanship on display here speaks to the importance of the subject, and the value placed on skilled labor in the production of such images. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple prints can be deeply embedded in social and political context. Appreciating this artwork means acknowledging not only the hand of the artist, but also the world in which he lived and worked.