Portret van Marguerite Henriette de La Briffe Le Bret als Ceres 1728

This print, portraying Marguerite Henriette de La Briffe Le Bret as Ceres, was made by Claude Drevet. It exemplifies the engraver's skill in capturing the textures and light of the original painting, translating them into the graphic medium. Engraving is an intaglio process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate. The deeper the cut, the more ink it holds, resulting in darker lines. The remarkable tonal range of this print comes from the close, controlled nature of the engraving process, demanding intense labor and great dexterity. The lines are so fine that they mimic the smooth, flowing fabric of the sitter's dress. Look closely at the details of the hair and the landscape; you can see how Drevet has used hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and shadow. The tradition of engraving lies at the intersection of craft and fine art, requiring both technical skill and artistic vision. Understanding its process allows us to appreciate the care and artistry involved in creating this refined portrait.