Portret van sultan Selim I 1549 - 1575

This small portrait of Sultan Selim the First was made using an engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate. Look closely, and you'll see that the image is built up entirely from these marks, which hold the ink and create the image on paper. The material qualities of the metal plate influence the final print – its hardness allows for fine detail, while its ability to hold ink ensures a clear impression. Engraving requires great skill and control, a craft tradition that extends back centuries. The process is labor-intensive, each line carefully incised by the artist, and in early printmaking workshops, division of labor was common. The resulting prints, like this portrait, could then be widely distributed, making images and information accessible to a broader audience. Considering the materials, making, and historical context helps us appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of this seemingly simple print.