Portret van Carolus Borromeüs before 1595

Johann Sadeler I made this print of Carolus Borromeüs, Archbishop of Milan, sometime around 1600 using the intaglio technique. This involved incising lines into a copper plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean, leaving ink only in the recessed lines. The plate was then pressed against paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see the extraordinary detail achieved through this meticulous process. Sadeler’s skill is evident in the subtle gradations of tone, creating a lifelike portrait. Intaglio printing, though laborious, allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. This was crucial in disseminating information and ideas during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Prints like these weren't just artworks; they were vehicles for social and religious messaging, reflecting the complex interplay between labor, skill, and the spread of knowledge in early modern Europe. The intense labor of the printmaker is essential to the image's power.