Portret van Aloysius Gonzaga 1816 - 1886

Charles Onghena created this portrait of Aloysius Gonzaga using a technique called line engraving. It's a process involving meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The very nature of line engraving influences the image. The precision of the lines gives the image a crisp, detailed quality. The textures, the shading, and the overall form of the composition depend on the density and direction of these lines. Engraving is a highly skilled and labor-intensive practice that demands a lot of time and expertise. This level of detail gives the image an air of quality, and perhaps even elevates the status of the subject depicted. Considering the time and skill involved, this image becomes more than just a portrait. It represents the value placed on craftsmanship, devotion, and perhaps the status of the sitter himself. Appreciating the work through the lens of its making allows us to understand its cultural and social significance, challenging the traditional boundaries between art and craft.