Lodewijk IX, koning van Frankrijk 1593 - 1650

Jonas van Merle depicted Lodewijk IX, King of France, in an engraving, a printmaking technique that leaves little room for error. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the artist carefully incises lines with a tool called a burin. The depth and spacing of these lines determine the tonal range and visual texture of the final print, which demands meticulous planning and skilled execution. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the incised lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating a reversed image of the original design. Consider the labor involved: from the preparation of the metal plate to the precise cuts and printing, each stage requires specialized skills and time. By understanding the making process, we gain insight into the artist's technical ability, and appreciate the cultural and social conditions that supported printmaking as a means of communication. It encourages us to look beyond representation, and acknowledge the value of craft.