Portret van Karel de Stoute 1549 - 1575

This portrait of Charles the Bold was made anonymously, using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands great precision. The image is achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, which would have been laborious work. Consider the contrast between the hard metal and the flowing lines defining the armor and face. The engraver’s skill is evident in the intricate details of the laurel wreath and the reflective surfaces of the armor. Engraving emerged alongside the rise of print culture, allowing for the mass production and dissemination of images. This portrait, therefore, speaks to the increasing importance of visual representation in shaping public perception, even of powerful figures like Charles the Bold. The work involved in its production also reflects broader issues of labor and the skilled trades essential to early capitalism. So, next time you encounter an engraved image, remember that it's not just a picture, it's a testament to the social and cultural impact of skilled making.