Portret van Johan Oxenstierna 1648

This is a portrait of Johan Oxenstierna, made by Pieter de Jode II, a Flemish printmaker, sometime in the mid-17th century. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique that depends on the meticulous removal of material. The process begins with a smooth copper plate, into which the design is incised with a tool called a burin. The artist carefully carves lines into the metal, varying the pressure to create different depths and widths, which will hold the ink. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density of lines creates areas of shadow and light, defining Oxenstierna’s features and clothing. This highly skilled process resulted in images that could be reproduced and distributed widely, playing a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public perception during this period. De Jode’s work reflects the increasing professionalization of art, where specialized skills and techniques were honed and traded within a market economy.