Portret van Henricus Velse 1741 - 1747

This print, depicting Henricus Velse, was made by Gerardus Josephus Xavery using engraving, a process of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The stark contrast between light and shadow is a direct result of the engraving process; the depth and width of the engraved lines dictate how much ink the paper receives. Look closely, and you will see that the texture of Velse’s garments and face is built up from a dense network of fine lines, a testament to Xavery’s skill. Engraving was essential for disseminating images and information in an era before photography. This particular print, with its formal composition and accompanying text, suggests its use as a commemorative portrait. The labor-intensive nature of engraving meant that prints like these were valuable commodities, reflecting the sitter’s status, as well as the engraver's. Considering the print in this way encourages us to think about the broader social and economic context in which it was produced, and the dialogue between fine art and craft.