Portret van Frederik Hendrik, prins van Oranje 1630

This print of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, was made by Crispijn van den Queborn. It is an engraving, meaning that the design was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. The density of the lines determine the areas of light and shadow. Notice the tremendous amount of work involved: the hatching that models the Prince's face and armor, the patterned background, and the carefully lettered inscription below. Consider the social context of this image. It commemorates a powerful figure, and would have circulated widely, reinforcing his status. Yet, it was made using a reproductive technique, which democratizes its impact. The very act of producing these prints, with many identical impressions, reflects early modern Europe's transition to mass production and a capitalist economy. The skills of the printmaker, and the labor required, are essential to the Prince's image and the political power it represents.