Portret van Karel van Angoulême 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving of Charles of Angoulême made by an anonymous artist. The engraver created this portrait through meticulous labor, using specialized tools to cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. See how the density of the lines creates shading and volume, turning a flat surface into a lifelike representation. Engraving wasn't just a means of artistic expression, it was an essential medium for disseminating knowledge, political messaging, and cultural ideals in an early modern world. Consider how this portrait, as a reproducible image, played a role in shaping perceptions of Charles of Angoulême, and his status. The amount of work involved in this engraving, demonstrates the social status of the subject. By attending to the material and technical aspects of this print, we gain a deeper appreciation of its historical significance, understanding it not just as an artwork, but as a cultural artifact embedded in a network of social and political relations.