Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu 

This print of Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu, was made by Michel Lasne, likely during the Cardinal's lifetime, using engraving techniques. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a surface, in this case a metal plate, and then filled with ink to be transferred to paper. The crisp lines and fine details we see are a direct result of the burin, the tool used to cut the lines into the metal. Lasne's skill is evident in the way he captures the Cardinal's likeness and the textures of his garments. The act of engraving itself is labor-intensive, requiring precision and control. Each line is carefully placed, building up the image layer by layer. This particular print would have served not only as a portrait, but also as a statement of power and status, carefully rendered to create a desired effect. It reflects the skilled craftsmanship valued in the 17th century, and it blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and political propaganda.