Portret van Charles de Guise, duc de Mayenne 1682 - 1730

This is Jacobus Harrewijn’s diminutive portrait of Charles de Guise, made using engraving techniques. The process of engraving involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the intricate network of lines that define the Duke’s features, armor, and the surrounding ornamentation. This wasn't just a technical exercise; it was a deeply social one. Engravings like these played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, especially in times before photography. Engraving demanded specialized skills and tools, with workshops often organized around a master craftsman and apprentices. The labor-intensive nature of the process speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship and the importance of skilled labor in the production of images. By understanding the making process, we can appreciate how prints like these were not merely replications, but carefully crafted objects, imbued with social significance.