Portret van Karel III van Bourbon 1619 - 1675

This portrait of Karel III van Bourbon was created by Lucas Vorsterman I around 1621, using the technique of engraving. This process, typically done on copper, involves painstakingly incising lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed. Looking closely, you can see the incredible detail Vorsterman achieved. From the dense fur of the sitter's coat and hat, to the reflective surface of the helmet, every texture is rendered through the precise application of line. Engraving, unlike painting, demands a methodical, almost industrial approach. Each line requires physical effort, reflecting hours of labor. The medium itself carries social significance. While painting might be seen as a more individual expression, engraving was often collaborative, involving specialized workshops. By understanding the labor and skill embedded in this print, we can appreciate it not just as a portrait, but also as a product of its time, tied to the burgeoning culture of printmaking and its role in disseminating images and ideas.