Portret van François-Hercule de Valois, hertog van Anjou en Alençon c. 1669 - 1731

This portrait of François-Hercule de Valois, Duke of Anjou and Alençon, was made by Pieter van Gunst using an engraving technique. The image is formed by making small cuts on a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Engraving demands technical skill and a dedicated work ethic. Each line and dot needs to be carefully carved, requiring patience and precision to achieve the desired details, tones, and textures. Look closely, and you'll notice the fineness of line that defines the Duke's face, ruff, and ornate frame. The amount of labor involved speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating images and information in the early modern period. They allowed for the mass production of portraits, making them accessible to a wider audience, and serving as a powerful tool for shaping public perception. In this sense, the print exists at the intersection of art, craft, and social communication, blurring boundaries between these categories.