Portret van Frederik, prins van Wales 1708 - 1751

This print of Frederick, Prince of Wales, was made by Jacob Houbraken, likely in the first half of the 18th century. It is an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper. The plate was then inked, and pressed onto paper. Engraving demands meticulous skill. Lines must be carefully considered, as they define not only the subject’s appearance, but also the fall of light across the surface. Notice the density of marks used to describe the Prince’s armor. The artist used hatching and cross-hatching to give the impression of three-dimensionality and reflective sheen. Consider too, the curtain at the upper right, and the Prince’s delicate features. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive to produce and distribute. They were a key technology in the making of celebrity, allowing likenesses to circulate widely. The very act of collecting and studying prints became a social activity. So, while seemingly conventional, this print offers a glimpse into the workings of early modern media culture. It reminds us that art is always embedded in its time, both materially and socially.