Portret van Charles, markies van Nérestang 1655 - 1733

This print of Charles, Marquis de Nérestang, was made by Pieter van Schuppen, and involves the labor-intensive process of engraving. The fine lines you see, describing everything from the Marquis’s armor to the curls of his hair, are not drawn but incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. It’s a skilled tradition in which the artist must act almost like a machine, cutting countless tiny marks to create tone and shadow. Consider how the material itself influences the appearance of the artwork. The inherent qualities of the engraved line lend a certain formality, even rigidity, to the portrait. This effect is quite different from, say, a drawing in chalk or charcoal. The very laboriousness of the engraving process underscores the Marquis’s status. It speaks to the amount of time, skill, and resources required to produce such an image. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this print, we can fully appreciate the artistry and social significance of this portrait. It challenges any simple distinction between fine art and craft, and invites us to consider the value of skilled labor in the creation of images.