Portret van Jonas Charisius 1608

This portrait of Jonas Charisius was made by Hendrick Hondius I, in the 17th century, using engraving. The artist meticulously cut lines into a metal plate, probably copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink was then applied to the plate, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines, before being printed onto paper. Consider the labor invested in creating such a detailed image. Each line, each shadow, is the result of skilled handwork. The sharp, precise lines give the portrait a formal, almost austere quality, fitting for a man of Charisius's stature as a counselor and ambassador. This technique, with its roots in craft traditions, was crucial for disseminating images and knowledge at the time. Hondius was not just an artist, but also an entrepreneur, capitalizing on the demand for portraits and other printed materials. This engraving, therefore, exists at the intersection of art, craft, and early capitalism, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the 17th century.