Portret van paus Paulus IV 1558

Nicolas Beatrizet made this portrait of Pope Paul IV in the mid-16th century, using the technique of engraving. The image is all about line, made by cutting into a copper plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The quality of that line is very important here. Beatrizet uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up areas of tone, creating a sense of depth and volume. The details of the Pope’s face, his beard, and the folds of his clothing are all meticulously rendered. But, the engraving is not just a feat of technical skill; it's also a product of its time. Printmaking like this was an essential part of the information economy. This was a means of disseminating images widely, and the skill involved was considerable, requiring years of apprenticeship. When we look at a print like this, we're not just seeing an image of a Pope. We're also seeing the result of many hours of labor, and the importance of printmaking in shaping public perception.