Portret van Alonso Pérez de Vivero y Menchaca, graaf van Fuensaldaña 1640 - 1661

This print depicts Alonso Pérez de Vivero y Menchaca, Count of Fuensaldaña. It was made by Lucas Vorsterman I, a master printmaker. The technique used here is engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely and you'll see the network of fine lines that create the image, a testament to Vorsterman's skill and the labor-intensive process. The material of the print – paper and ink – may seem humble, but it allowed for the mass production and distribution of images, playing a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. The Count's armor, rendered with meticulous detail, speaks to the importance of military power and aristocratic status in the 17th century. But it also raises questions about the labor involved in producing such objects. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. It blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and social history.