Portret van Francesco Maria della Rovere 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving, made by an anonymous artist, depicting Francesco Maria della Rovere. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, where the design is incised into a metal plate. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into the plate's surface, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the ink from the grooves to create the print. The visual impact relies on the precision of the engraved lines, which define form and texture. The cross-hatching and fine details in the armor show that it was a labor-intensive process requiring skill and patience. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to its historical context. In its time, engraving was valued for its ability to reproduce images accurately and efficiently, and disseminate information widely. The print is small in size, but the process of engraving adds visual interest to the artwork and reflects the artistic values of the time. By considering the materials, processes, and social context we can appreciate the cultural significance of this portrait.