Portret van Fra Fillippo Lippi 1568

This is a portrait of Fra Fillippo Lippi, made with the process of engraving. Its anonymous maker used a technique that relies on the precise, controlled removal of material. The image has been carved into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. The lines you see were physically cut into the surface, and would have taken considerable force. Ink was then applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the excess wiped away. The plate was pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The striking contrast between line and ground, and the fine detail achieved, are testament to the engraver’s skill and patience. Engraving like this was not just a means of artistic expression, but a vital method for disseminating information and imagery. It played a key role in the print culture of the time, making art and knowledge more accessible. So, while this portrait may seem like a simple depiction, it is also a reflection of the social and technological landscape in which it was created.