Portret van Willem Lodewijk, graaf van Nassau-Dillenburg 17th century

This print, housed here at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Willem Lodewijk, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg. It was rendered anonymously, using the intaglio process of engraving. The effect of this technique lies in the incised lines, which hold the ink. Notice how they vary in thickness and density to create a sense of volume and texture. The engraver has skillfully captured the Count’s likeness, including the intricate details of his beard, collar, and clothing. The hatch marks evoke the play of light and shadow on the surface, giving the portrait a sense of depth. Engraving demanded highly specialized skills. The engraver would have needed to be proficient in drawing, metalworking, and printing, requiring years of training and experience. It was also a laborious and time-consuming process, as each line had to be carefully cut into the metal plate. As such, prints like this one were valuable commodities, sought after by collectors and institutions alike. The printmaking trades were the information technology of the day. So, as you look at this image, remember that the material and the making were inseparable from its social role.