Portret van Filips I en Henrietta Anne Stuart, hertog en hertogin van Orléans c. 1661

This double portrait of Philippe I and Henrietta Anne Stuart, Duke and Duchess of Orléans, was made by Pieter van Schuppen using engraving, a printmaking technique dating back to the 15th century. The controlled precision required to create the composition is remarkable. The image would have begun with a prepared copper plate. The artist used a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into the metal. The depth and spacing of these lines determined the amount of ink held, and therefore the darkness of the printed area. The plate was then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Finally, paper was laid on top and both were run through a printing press, transferring the image. Look at the incredible detail achieved in the hair, clothing, and decorative elements. The texture and the tonal range result from Van Schuppen's technical mastery and the suitability of engraving to capture minute details. The print is evidence of highly skilled labor. The cost of commissioning an engraving was offset by its ability to be reproduced, satisfying the growing demand for images of prominent figures at the time.