Ruiterportret van Willem I, prins van Oranje c. 1570 - 1575

This print of William I, Prince of Orange, was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum, and showcases their skill as printmakers. The technique used to produce this print is engraving, which is an intaglio process, the reverse of relief printing, such as woodcut. In engraving, the image is incised into a plate, usually copper, with a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and are transferred to paper under great pressure. The fineness of the lines, and the tonal variations achieved here, speak to the time and labor involved. Consider that each line had to be physically cut into the metal, a testament to their dedication and expertise. The controlled hand movements required reflect the engraver's proficiency in manipulating the burin to create different effects. This detailed engraving is a reminder that what we often consider "fine art" depends on countless hours of skilled work. It invites us to think about the social and economic context of its creation and the value we assign to different forms of making.