Portret van François de Troy 1714

This portrait of François de Troy was made by Jean-Baptiste de Poilly, and it shows us the meticulous process of engraving. The image is made through the skillful manipulation of metal—likely copper—using tools to incise lines that hold ink. This is evident in the fine, detailed network of lines that create shading and form. The texture of the paper also plays a role; its slight toothiness grabs the ink, giving the print its characteristic velvety appearance. The amount of labor involved is significant, with each line carefully considered and executed. Engraving like this wasn't just a reproductive technique. It was a highly skilled craft in its own right, one deeply intertwined with the social and economic structures of its time. Prints like this democratized art by making images more widely accessible. They circulated ideas, fashions, and knowledge in an era before photography. So, next time you look at an engraving, consider not just the image it depicts, but the incredible amount of work that went into its making, and the central role such works on paper played in early modern society.