Portret van Karel van den Bosch bisschop van Brugge c. 1640 - 1670

Cornelis van Caukercken made this portrait of Karel van den Bosch with engraving in the 17th century. The printmaking process had a profound influence on the dissemination of information and visual culture during this era. Engraving begins with a metal plate, traditionally copper. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into the plate's surface. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, the image transfers. The precision and detail achievable through engraving lent itself well to portraiture, capturing likeness and conveying status. Consider the labor involved: each line meticulously carved by hand. This tangible record of skilled work speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship. The resulting prints like this one could then be circulated widely, connecting artistic production to broader social and economic networks. By focusing on the making, we recognize printmaking not just as a reproductive technology, but as a skilled practice with its own rich history.