Portret van Simon de Cluny 1660

Etienne Picart made this print of Simon de Cluny sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. The engraving process, executed on a copper plate, involved considerable labor. An engraver uses a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate. The depth and proximity of these lines determine the amount of ink held, and therefore, the darkness of the printed mark. In this portrait, the hatching creates the illusion of volume, meticulously describing the folds of Cluny's habit and the contours of his face. Beyond the skill required, the print also speaks to the social context of its making. Printmaking allowed images to be reproduced and disseminated widely, contributing to the circulation of knowledge and the formation of public opinion. Though seemingly distant from the world of craft, this print demonstrates how deeply intertwined art, labor, and social life truly are.