Portret van Willem I Frederik, koning der Nederlanden 1815 - 1899

This is a portrait of Willem I Frederik, King of the Netherlands, made by Cardon using engraving techniques. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking process, where an image is incised onto a plate using a tool called a burin. The fineness of the lines, and the control over their depth, is striking. The process demands precision and skill, requiring a mastery of hand-eye coordination. With cross-hatching and stippling, Cardon has created an illusion of light and shadow, bringing the King’s face and military attire to life. Engraving was a key technology for mass communication, allowing images to be reproduced and distributed widely. This portrait would have served as a tool for projecting the image of the monarchy, using the precision and detail of the engraving to convey power and authority. Considering the materials and processes used in its creation helps us understand this print not just as an image, but as a cultural artifact embedded in the social and political context of its time.