Portret van Willem Frans Godard van Lynden tot Hemmen 1776

This is an engraving of Willem Frans Godard van Lynden tot Hemmen, made by Jacob Houbraken in 1776. The image is created through a process of incising lines onto a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. The real skill here resides in the engraver’s hand: the way the lines are weighted and grouped creates a sense of volume and texture. It's a labor-intensive technique, demanding both precision and artistry. The engraver has not only captured a likeness, but also something of the sitter’s social standing. Engravings like this were often made as reproductive prints, circulating images and ideas widely. In this case, we see how printmaking technology allowed for the dissemination of portraits beyond the circles of the wealthy elite. It's a fascinating intersection of craft, portraiture, and the burgeoning world of mass media.