Portret van Jerome Vavaseur 1669

This is Pierre Landry’s portrait of Jerome Vavaseur, made with engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is cut into a metal plate, and then ink is held in those recessed lines. Look closely and you can see the crisp quality of the lines, how they define the features of Vavaseur’s face, the folds of his robe, and the lettering around the oval frame. This portrait is not just a likeness, it’s also an assertion of status. Engravings like this were often commissioned by the sitter to circulate among a select audience. The very act of creating a print implies dissemination, a desire to make an impression beyond a single canvas. Notice too, the inscription and the heraldic crest at the bottom, further underscoring Vavaseur's identity and position. The engraver’s skill, the controlled lines, the subtle gradations of tone – all speak to a highly specialized practice. This wasn't just about technical ability, it was about visually encoding social standing and cultural values. So, next time you see a print, think about the hands that made it and the message it was intended to convey.