Portret van Henriëtte Catharina, prinses van Oranje, op 7-jarige leeftijd 1643

This print, depicting Henriëtte Catharina, Princess of Orange, at the tender age of seven, was made by an anonymous artist. The technique used is engraving, where an image is incised into a flat surface of metal, typically copper, and then printed. Look closely and you can see the incredible detail achieved through the labor-intensive process of carving lines into the metal. The quality of the engraving is a testament to the skill and time invested, reflecting the status of the sitter, and by extension, the patron who commissioned the work. The very act of creating such a detailed and intricate print underscores the social and political importance of portraying the princess, and her family's status. Considering the materials, making, and context of this engraving reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraits are deeply embedded in social and economic conditions. It challenges the traditional view of art as purely aesthetic, revealing the layers of labor, politics, and consumption that underpin its creation and reception.