Portret van Frances Carr 1615 - 1622

This print, depicting Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset, was made by Simon van de Passe, likely in the early 17th century. It's an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, and then printed. Notice the extraordinary detail achieved through this laborious process. The lines are remarkably fine, creating subtle gradations of tone. This wasn't just about technical skill; it was about the social role of the image. Prints like these circulated widely, helping to establish and disseminate ideas about status and beauty. The very act of engraving, with its emphasis on precision and repetition, mirrors the social pressures on individuals, especially women, to conform to certain ideals. Consider the sheer labor involved in creating such a detailed image, and how that work contributed to the Countess's carefully constructed persona. In the end, it makes you wonder about the relationship between image, labor, and the aristocratic class in the making of early modern celebrity.