Portret van Charles de Marguetel de Saint-Denis 1652 - 1707

This is Gérard Edelinck’s portrait of Charles de Marguetel de Saint-Denis, made as an engraving. This intaglio printmaking process involves incising an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely and you'll see the exquisite detail Edelinck achieved through precise cuts into the metal. The varying depths and densities of lines create subtle gradations of tone, bringing Saint-Denis's face and opulent fur-lined robe to life. This wasn't just a technical exercise; it was about social positioning. Engravings like these played a vital role in disseminating images of power and status. The labor-intensive process was highly specialized, reflecting the burgeoning print industry and its contribution to the circulation of knowledge and influence. Printmakers held a unique position, bridging the gap between artistic skill and commercial production. Edelinck's masterful handling of the engraving tool elevates this portrait beyond mere reproduction, transforming it into a statement of craft, skill, and the social dynamics of representation.