Portret van Karel van Mallery 1646 - 1675

Lucas Vorsterman the Elder made this print, Portrait of Karel van Mallery, using engraving – a process of cutting lines into a metal plate with a tool called a burin, then inking the plate and pressing it onto paper. The material quality of the print is crucial. Look closely and you’ll notice the crisp, precise lines that define Mallery’s features, clothing, and even the subtle textures of his hair and beard. Vorsterman’s skill with the burin allowed him to capture the likeness and convey a sense of Mallery’s character. But this was not only a technical exercise. The engraving process also imbued the print with social and cultural significance. Engravings like this one played a vital role in disseminating images and ideas, acting as a kind of early mass media. The skilled labor involved, from the artist to the printer, reflects the collaboration and craftsmanship inherent in printmaking. By appreciating the materials, tools, and processes involved, we can fully grasp the artistic and cultural value of this work.