Portretten van Jacobus I en Anna 1603 - 1605

Frans Hogenberg created this print of Jacobus and Anna, likely sometime between 1540 and 1590, using the intaglio process. Intaglio is a method of printing in which an image is incised into a surface, here a metal plate, and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink. It is a process demanding both precision and physical effort, requiring the engraver to apply significant pressure to carve the image. Look closely, and you’ll see the fine lines, each one carefully etched, that create the portraits and heraldic symbols. The choice of intaglio speaks volumes about the intent behind this print. Unlike a woodcut, which yields a bolder, more graphic image, intaglio allows for a high level of detail and tonal range. The medium mirrors the social context: printmaking at this time aided in disseminating images and information across Europe, playing a crucial role in shaping political and cultural identities. The labor-intensive nature of intaglio printing also reflects the value placed on craftsmanship and skill in early modern Europe.