Penning met buste van Lodewijk XIII 1702

This print of a medal depicting Louis XIII was made by Gérard Edelinck, who was a master of the engraving technique. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see the precise, deliberate marks that define Louis's features and flowing hair. The texture of the print results from the thousands of tiny cuts made into the copper. This wasn't just a reproductive technique. Edelinck’s skill elevated printmaking to an art form, with engravers like him being highly sought after to disseminate images of power and prestige. The image of Louis XIII is framed by his title. The print served as a form of propaganda, emphasizing Louis’s authority and divine right to rule. Considering the labor and skill involved, it challenges our traditional ideas about craft and fine art. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images can be rich with meaning and reflect the complex social and political contexts in which they were made.