Portret van Victor Amadeus III, koning van Sardinië c. 1774 - 1864

This print of Victor Amadeus III, King of Sardinia, was made by Giovanni Battista Stagnon around the late 18th century. It’s an engraving, meaning the artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The fineness of the lines speaks to Stagnon's skill. Notice how the density of these lines creates shading and volume, bringing the king's face and armor to life. This technique was crucial for disseminating images widely before photography, allowing for a relatively inexpensive reproduction of portraits and other important imagery. Consider the labor involved: from the initial drawing to the meticulous engraving and printing. This wasn't just about artistic expression; it was a sophisticated, specialized craft serving the needs of representation and power. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the product of complex material processes, deeply embedded in their historical context.