Ruiterportret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1660 - 1706

This print portrays William III, Prince of Orange, and it's made by an anonymous artist using engraving techniques. Looking closely, you can see how the material characteristics of the metal plate from which this print was made influence its appearance, with its fine lines and tonal variations. The engraver would have used a burin to carve lines into the metal, a laborious process that required great skill and control. The precision and detail achieved reflect a mastery of craft, as the lines create a sense of depth and texture, bringing the prince and his horse to life. The act of creating such a print was deeply entwined with social context. Prints were a means of disseminating images and ideas widely, catering to a growing market of consumers who wanted to own representations of power and status. Recognizing the labor and expertise involved in this work challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.