Frederik Hendrik legt de eed af als stadhouder, 1625 1786

This print, now in the Rijksmuseum, was made by Reinier Vinkeles, who lived from 1741 to 1816. The process used to create this image is engraving, an intaglio printmaking technique. This meticulous process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then transferring the ink to paper under high pressure. Look closely and you'll see that the quality of the engraved line is crucial to the overall effect. The depth and density of the lines create areas of light and shadow, giving form to the figures and depth to the scene. It is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, requiring skill, patience, and precision. Engraving was often used to reproduce paintings, making them accessible to a wider audience. However, it’s important to remember that the engraver was not simply a copyist. They brought their own artistic sensibility to the process, interpreting the original work through the lens of their craft. By understanding the material process of engraving, we can begin to appreciate the artistry and skill involved in creating this print, and other works like it.