Portret van Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp 1648 - 1664

This print of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp was made by Cornelis van Dalen II in the mid-17th century. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see that the quality of line varies dramatically. Dalen likely used a variety of tools, including burins and etching needles, to achieve this effect. See how he uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and shadow? This was an incredibly laborious process, requiring both technical skill and artistic vision. The print itself would have been made in multiples, a key characteristic of the medium, in which printing had revolutionized the spread of images. What was once a unique artistic creation, a painting say, could now be reproduced and disseminated to a wider audience. This made art more accessible, but also transformed it into a commodity. Consider, too, the social context: the Dutch Republic was a major center of trade and commerce. Images like this one played a role in shaping public opinion, and immortalizing important figures of state like Tromp. The print is more than just a portrait; it’s a product of its time.