Portret van Johannes Piscator 1625 - 1667

This is a portrait of Johannes Piscator, made by Paul de Zetter in the 17th century. It's an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with tools like burins and scrapers. The plate would then have been inked and printed onto paper. Look closely at the lines. They vary in thickness and density to create the illusion of light and shadow, defining Piscator's features and the folds of his clothing. The process is laborious, demanding immense skill. Note the texture of the paper itself, its weight and absorbency, all contributing to the final image. Engravings like this were a crucial means of disseminating information and preserving likenesses before photography. They represent a confluence of artistic skill, technical knowledge, and the wider social context of printing and distribution. We shouldn't underestimate the amount of work involved, or the significance of printmaking as a form of craft deeply embedded in the culture of its time.