Portret van Albrecht van Beieren, graaf van Holland, Henegouwen en Zeeland 17th century

This is a portrait of Albrecht van Beieren, Count of Holland, Henegouwen and Zeeland, made by an anonymous artist. The medium is engraving, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. The image begins as a highly polished metal plate, usually copper. Using a tool called a burin, the artist carves lines directly into the plate. These incisions hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure. The depth and spacing of the lines determine the tonal range of the final print. Look closely, and you'll see how the engraver has used this technique to render the textures of Albrecht's beard and elaborate headwear. Engraving demands precision and control, a true test of skill. Think about the labor involved in creating this image, and how the resulting prints would have circulated widely, disseminating Albrecht's image and solidifying his power. This portrait, therefore, speaks not only to Albrecht's status, but also to the social and economic systems that made its production and distribution possible.