Portret van Edward Coke 1605 - 1647

This is a portrait of Edward Coke, made by Simon van de Passe in the early 17th century. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, then printed onto paper. The dense network of lines creates a detailed likeness, capturing Coke’s features and elaborate attire. Notice the textures, from the ruff around his neck to the chain of office. Each is rendered through the careful labor of the engraver’s hand. The inscription that surrounds the portrait, and beneath it, is also made through the same process. This required not only artistic skill, but also literacy, and precision. Engravings like this were relatively reproducible, and therefore became a popular way to disseminate images of important figures. This speaks to the rise of print culture, and a growing middle class with an appetite for information and visual representation. It also represents a democratization of art, as compared to unique, hand-painted portraits. Here we can consider the amount of labor involved, and the social context that gave rise to this blend of artistry and industry.