Portret van Michael Wisniowiecki 1669 - 1678

This is Nicolas de Larmessin’s portrait of Michael Wisniowiecki, made with engraving on paper sometime in the 17th century. Look closely and you will see how the engraver meticulously uses thin lines and dots to create a detailed likeness of the Polish king, playing with light and shadow to bring him to life. The intaglio process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master the control of the burin, the tool used to cut the lines. The texture of the paper also plays a part; its slightly rough surface catches the ink, adding depth and richness to the print. The choice of paper, the quality of the ink, and the precision of the printing press all contribute to the final result. Considering the social context, prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, allowing portraits of royalty to circulate widely. This was long before photography, so this engraving represents a sophisticated convergence of craft, technology, and social communication.