Portret van Moulay al-Rashid, sultan van Marokko 1642 - 1678

This print of Moulay al-Rashid, Sultan of Morocco, was made by Nicolas de Larmessin in the 17th century, using engraving. This intaglio process involves incising an image onto a plate, in this case likely copper, and then using ink to transfer that image to paper. The quality of line is striking here, and it speaks to the engraver's skill, as well as the labor-intensive process of creating the printing plate. Consider the time it would have taken Larmessin to translate an image of the Sultan into a network of tiny marks. Notice how the varying densities of mark-making produce the fall of light and shadow. Engraving was an important medium in early modern Europe, not only for artistic expression, but also for disseminating information. Prints like this one helped to shape European perceptions of the wider world, and in turn, played a role in shaping diplomatic and trade relations. The profusion of descriptive text surrounding the image leaves us in no doubt about the intent to influence public opinion. It reminds us that materials, making, and context are all critical to our understanding.