Portret van paus Alexander VII 1619 - 1672

This print of Pope Alexander the Seventh was made in Antwerp, in 1655, by Theodor van Merlen. Notice the intricacy of the lines, all achieved through the technique of engraving, where the artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate. The resulting image has a crisp, precise quality; that reflects the labor-intensive process used to produce it. Each line etched by hand, demanding skill and patience from the engraver, resulting in sharp contrasts and fine detail. The texture of the paper further enhances the tactile quality of the print. Engraving was not only a means of artistic expression, but also a key method for disseminating information and imagery across Europe. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception and solidifying the authority of figures like Pope Alexander the Seventh. The artistry and craft of the print, therefore, went hand in hand with the social and political functions it served.