Portret van Rafael 1630

This is Jacob Matham’s portrait of Raphael, made in the late 16th or early 17th century. It's a print, meaning that it wasn't drawn directly. Instead, the image was incised into a copper plate, inked, and then transferred to paper. Think about the skill involved, the careful control with a sharp tool. See the countless tiny marks, each made by hand, together creating a convincing likeness. The relatively soft metal allows for incredibly fine lines, capturing the texture of Raphael’s hair and the folds of his clothing. The printmaking process allowed for multiples, so this image could circulate widely. It’s a powerful reminder that art doesn’t just happen; it is the result of labor, process, and a specific social context. Here, the technologies of reproduction intersect with the enduring appeal of artistic genius. Matham ensures Raphael's immortality not just as a painter, but as a carefully crafted image, available to all.