Portret van Ferdinand van Oostenrijk 1641

This portrait of Ferdinand van Oostenrijk was made by Pieter de Jode the Younger, probably around 1641, using engraving. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the artist carves lines with a tool called a burin. Look closely, and you'll see the incredible density of marks de Jode used to build up the image. The cross-hatching suggests the fall of light and shadow across Ferdinand’s face and clothing. This labour-intensive technique was the dominant mode of image production before photography. The print could then be reproduced many times over; it was, in essence, an early form of mechanical reproduction. In its own way, engraving was as revolutionary a technology as any we have today. It democratized image-making and made it more widely accessible. By understanding the processes involved in creating this portrait, we realize it's not just a picture. It's a testament to the artistry and the social impact of a technology that changed how we see the world.