Michel de Marillac 

Michel Lasne created this print of Michel de Marillac, sometime around 1631, using engraving. This meticulous process involves incising an image onto a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using immense pressure to transfer the design to paper. Note the stark contrast between light and shadow, which gives the portrait its dramatic intensity. This effect comes from the artist's control over the burin, the tool used to carve the lines. The density and depth of these lines determine how much ink is held, and therefore how dark the printed area appears. Engraving was a highly skilled and laborious craft, demanding precision and patience. In the 17th century, it was also a crucial medium for disseminating information and images. Prints like this one served not only as portraits but also as powerful tools for shaping public perception. By understanding the labor involved in its making, we can appreciate how this print transcends mere representation, becoming a testament to the values and ambitions of its time.