Portret van Lodewijk Napoleon, koning van Holland 1806 - 1810

Charles Howard Hodges made this portrait of Lodewijk Napoleon, King of Holland using the technique of mezzotint. Hodges skillfully employed a rocker tool to create tiny, uniform indentations on the copper plate, and the velvety surface holds ink, producing rich, dark tones. Scraping and burnishing the plate allowed him to introduce lighter areas and fine details to model the King's face and uniform. This labour-intensive method allowed for the creation of multiple prints, making the King's image accessible to a wider audience. It’s a fascinating example of how the demand for portraits fueled innovation in printmaking during the period. This portrait also raises interesting questions about the relationship between labor, artistic skill, and the dissemination of power in a society undergoing political transformation. Looking at pieces like this reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are deeply embedded in the social and economic conditions of their time.