Portret van Petrus Mercier 1677

Pieter van Schuppen created this print of Petrus Mercier. The artwork is an engraving, a printmaking technique dependent on the skill of the artist to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Here, the dense network of lines creates a range of tones, from the light of Mercier’s face to the deep shadows of his robes. Engraving, though a demanding process, allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. Prints like these were often commissioned to celebrate important figures, circulating their likeness and solidifying their status. The text surrounding the portrait, also achieved through engraving, further emphasizes Mercier’s high standing within the church. Consider the labor involved, both physical and intellectual, in creating this image. While seemingly distant from the concerns of craft, this print exemplifies the skilled handiwork and the social function inherent in all forms of making.