Portret van François Louis de Bourbon 1679 - 1724

Jacob Gole made this print of François Louis de Bourbon, using a technique called mezzotint. This method involves preparing a copper plate with a tool called a rocker, which creates a dense field of tiny dots. The image is then created by selectively burnishing or scraping away these dots to produce lighter tones. The velvety darkness, and subtle gradations of light and shadow, are characteristic of this process, allowing for rich textures and tonal depth. The labor-intensive nature of mezzotint engraving highlights the complex relationship between art, craft, and the economics of printmaking. Prints like this were luxury goods, but they were also a way of disseminating images and ideas widely. The intense work put into this image speaks to the cultural significance and market value attached to these portraits of nobility.