The Duke of Gloucester (Henry Stuart) n.d.

This is a portrait of the Duke of Gloucester, Henry Stuart, made by Cornelis van Dalen, II, using engraving. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, in which an image is incised onto a metal plate. The matrix is then covered in ink, and wiped clean. The ink remains in the incisions, and is transferred to a sheet of paper by applying pressure. Van Dalen has used a variety of marks to create tone and texture, from the Duke’s armor to the soft drape behind him. The process of engraving allows for the creation of fine lines and intricate details, capturing the texture of materials like metal, fabric, and hair, with meticulous precision. In this way, it's like a form of labor, made visible. The Duke’s status and wealth is shown in the detail of his clothing, which also reflect the engraver's skilled work. Considering the materials and techniques used offers a deeper understanding of the artwork and its cultural significance. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between craft and fine art by highlighting the labor and skill involved in the printmaking process.