Portret van Hendrik IV 1770

Louis Jacques Cathelin created this portrait of Hendrik IV using engraving, a printmaking technique dating back to the 15th century. The process starts with a metal plate, usually copper. Using a tool called a burin, the artist carves lines directly into the plate's surface. The depth and spacing of these lines determine how ink will be held, and thus the tones of the final image. This is a painstaking method requiring great skill, as any mistake is difficult to correct. The act of engraving demands both artistic vision and technical expertise, representing a significant investment of labor. Prints like this one were produced in multiples and distributed widely, democratizing access to imagery and knowledge, reflecting the rise of mass media and a growing consumer culture in the 18th century. By appreciating the labor and technical skill involved in creating this print, we can move beyond the traditional hierarchy of art, and see it as a product of both artistic ingenuity and skilled craftsmanship.