Portret van de kardinaal Armand Gaston Maximilien de Rohan 1712 - 1767

Louise Magdeleine Horthemels made this portrait of Cardinal de Rohan using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve using metal plates, acid, and specialized tools to create an image that can be reproduced. The fine lines and details you see are the result of careful and precise work. Horthemels, as a woman in the 18th century, would have navigated a male-dominated artistic landscape to master these skills. The printmaking process allowed for wider distribution of the Cardinal’s image, reinforcing his status and influence. This wasn't just about artistry; it was about power, social standing, and the careful construction of identity through reproducible media. Considering the labor involved and the social context, this print challenges our traditional ideas about fine art versus craft. It prompts us to think about the role of skilled making in shaping social narratives.