Portret van Ferdinand van Beyeren 1600 - 1604

This is Dominicus Custos's portrait of Ferdinand van Beyeren, made in 1596, using engraving on paper. Here, the sharp lines are carved into a metal plate, and the ink pressed firmly into the page. This process wasn't just about replicating an image, it was about mass production. The texture of the lines creates light and shadow, giving a sense of depth to van Beyeren's face and clothing. Look at the detail in his ruff and the elaborate design of his armor. Each line is carefully considered, and the overall effect is one of precision and control. Engravings like this were a way to circulate images and ideas widely. In this case, it's a portrait of power and status, made accessible to a wider audience. It speaks to the social and political context of the time, where images were used to reinforce hierarchies and project authority. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple materials and processes can carry a lot of cultural weight.