Portret van Lodewijk August van Bourbon 1706

Pierre Drevet made this portrait of Lodewijk August van Bourbon using engraving, a printmaking technique, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The stark contrast of light and shadow gives the portrait its dramatic intensity, typical of the Baroque era. The texture is finely articulated, especially visible in the armor and hair, where Drevet created depth through densely packed lines. This showcases the skill required to manipulate the engraving tools with precision, turning a hard material into something lifelike. Engraving in the 17th and 18th centuries was not merely a craft but a form of cultural production. Prints like these were a key means of disseminating images, establishing reputations, and shaping political narratives. It also involved labor intensive processes to create single artworks. By appreciating the craft of engraving, we see how art is always connected to its means of production, challenging any division between fine art and skilled craft.