Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje, op 59-jarige leeftijd 1625 - 1634

This portrait of Maurits, Prince of Orange, was produced using engraving, a printmaking technique. It may seem simple, but creating this image involved significant technical skill and labor. The process begins with a metal plate, typically copper, into which the design is carefully incised using a tool called a burin. The engraver pushes the burin through the metal, creating clean, precise lines. These lines hold the ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you’ll notice the incredible detail achieved through this method. The texture of Maurits’s clothing, the intricate patterns of his collar, and the delicate shading of his face, all testify to the engraver's mastery. Each line is deliberate, contributing to the overall image. Engraving allowed for the mass production of images, playing a crucial role in disseminating information and propaganda. This portrait would have been circulated widely, reinforcing Maurits’s image as a powerful leader. So, next time you see a print, remember the labor, skill, and social context embedded within its lines.