Christopher Gabel 1664 - 1667

This print of Christopher Gabel was made by Albert Haelwegh sometime in the 17th century. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the extraordinary level of detail in Gabel’s face, hair, and clothing. This was achieved through skilled manipulation of the burin, the engraving tool. Each line is carefully placed to create subtle gradations of tone and texture. The inscription surrounding the portrait and the heraldic crest below also evidence Haelwegh's deft hand. Engraving like this was a luxury product, designed to circulate images of wealth and power. Consider the labor involved in its production, from the mining of the metal to the printing process itself. This print offers insight into the dynamics of craft, labor, and representation in the early modern period, when printed images were a powerful means of asserting social status. It also represents the way the craft of engraving was used for commercial purposes.