Portret van Cornelis Grapheus, stadssecretaris van Antwerpen 1681 - 1746

François van Bleyswijck made this portrait of Cornelis Grapheus, city secretary of Antwerp, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries using engraving techniques. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed onto paper. In this case, the image is constructed from a dense network of fine lines. Look closely at the subtle gradations of tone in Grapheus's face and clothing. These are achieved by varying the thickness and density of the engraved lines. Engraving was a highly skilled and labor-intensive process, requiring precision and control. In the early modern period, it was used for everything from scientific illustrations to portraits to decorative prints. This portrait speaks to the importance of craftsmanship and technical skill in artmaking, highlighting the careful, detailed work that goes into creating an image. By focusing on the material and process behind this artwork, we can appreciate its craftsmanship and cultural significance more fully.