Portret van Catharina de' Medici, koningin van Frankrijk 1577 - 1581

This is a portrait of Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, made around the turn of the 17th century by the Flemish engraver, Wierix. It’s an intaglio print, meaning that the image is incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the incredible intricacy of the engraved lines. Wierix was a master of this demanding technique, using it to create subtle gradations of tone and texture. Notice how the lines are denser in the darker areas, like the Queen’s dress, and lighter in the highlights, like her face. The frame, with its ornamental details, is also beautifully rendered. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training to master. Wierix was part of a large family workshop, and the production of prints like this one was a significant industry in the Netherlands at the time. These images were not just artworks, but also commodities, bought and sold in a thriving market for prints. The making of this portrait, therefore, speaks to the intersection of art, craft, and commerce in the early modern period.