Portret van Laurence Hyde, 1e graaf van Rochester 1741

This is a portrait of Laurence Hyde, 1st Earl of Rochester, made by Jacob Houbraken in the 18th century. It's an engraving, which means that the image was carved into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed onto paper. Consider the labor involved: the engraver would have needed immense skill to translate a painted portrait into a network of finely incised lines. The textures of Hyde’s clothing, wig, and lace collar are all meticulously rendered. The image gives the impression of depth and volume through hatching and cross-hatching. But why choose printmaking? Unlike a unique painting, an engraving can be reproduced many times over. This was a booming industry in the 1700s. Prints like this one allowed for the relatively inexpensive circulation of images. They served as a form of visual media, and a way to disseminate ideas. So, while this portrait may seem like a straightforward depiction of an aristocrat, it's also a testament to the power of the printed image in the 18th century. It's a reminder that even seemingly straightforward artworks can be deeply embedded in social and economic networks.