Portret van Artus Quellinus (II) 1662

This is Conrad Lauwers's portrait of Artus Quellinus, made using engraving techniques. It's a print, so think of the labor involved in creating the metal plate from which this image was multiplied. Look closely, and you'll see how the network of etched lines defines Quellinus's likeness, from the texture of his hair to the fall of light on his face. Every mark is deliberately made, demanding immense precision from the engraver. As a master sculptor, Quellinus worked with the materiality of stone and wood. Lauwers, in turn, worked with the materiality of metal, ink, and paper to create this reproduction. Note the inscription beneath the portrait, advertising Quellinus's talent as an architect and sculptor in stone and wood. This image testifies to the complex ecosystem of artistic production, reliant not only on the sculptor’s skill, but also on the craftsmanship of those who circulated his image. It is an ecosystem still with us today.