Portret van Lodewijk Alexander van Bourbon 1714

Pierre Drevet created this print of Louis Alexandre de Bourbon sometime around the turn of the 18th century, using a technique called engraving. Engraving is a demanding process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to incise lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The depth and spacing of the lines determine the tones and textures of the final image. Notice how Drevet has used this technique to capture the sheen of the sitter's armor, the soft texture of his wig, and the smooth skin of his face. All of this demanded incredible skill and long hours of labor, a testament to the value placed on craftsmanship at the time. Engravings such as this were luxury items, a means of disseminating images of power and prestige to a wider audience. The print is not just a portrait, but an artifact of its own making, reflecting the social and economic conditions of its time. Appreciating the artistry and labor involved allows us to see beyond the image itself, and to understand the complex relationship between art, craft, and society.