Portret van Karel II, koning van Spanje 1676 - 1700

This is a portrait of Charles II, King of Spain, made by Jan van der Bruggen, using engraving. Engraving is a printmaking process where the artist meticulously carves lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed. In this portrait, the technique brings a remarkable level of detail to the king's armor. Look closely, and you can see the expert use of lines and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and texture. Engraving was crucial for disseminating images and information in the 17th century. It allowed for the reproduction of portraits like this one, making them accessible to a wider audience. Beyond the visual representation, this print speaks to the labor involved in its creation, as well as the broader economic systems that supported both the production of luxury goods like armor, and the making of images themselves. The choice of engraving as a medium underscores the value placed on craft and precision during this period, challenging our contemporary notions of what constitutes art.