Adelbold, hertog der Friezen 1618 - 1620

Pieter Feddes van Harlingen made this print, "Adelbold, Duke of the Frisians," using engraving techniques. The method involves carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to transfer the image onto paper. The strength of this piece lies in the lines themselves. Notice how they define the contours of Adelbold’s body and the folds of his clothing, lending a sense of depth and texture. The print medium allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images and texts, making information more accessible in the early modern period. Prints like this one were often made in multiples, and served an important function in circulating knowledge and shaping public perception. It collapses the boundaries between art, craft and design, by showing how a practical process can also yield aesthetically compelling results. Ultimately, recognizing the labor involved in making art objects allows us to appreciate their cultural and historical significance more fully.