Portret van Lambert ten Kate 1708 - 1780

This is a portrait of Lambert ten Kate, made by Jacob Houbraken in the 18th century. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. The precision of the engraving is remarkable. Look at the detail in the hair, achieved by cutting very fine lines. The engraver's skill brings a sense of realism to the portrait, a hallmark of the period. It was a labor-intensive process requiring a high degree of skill and control. Printmaking like this played a vital role in disseminating images and knowledge at the time. These weren't unique artworks, but rather produced in multiples. This made images accessible to a broader audience and had a profound impact on society, politics, and consumption.