Ontmoeting tussen koning Karel V en keizer Karel IV, 1378 1650 - 1799

This print, depicting the meeting of King Charles V and Emperor Charles IV in 1378, was made by an anonymous artist. It is an engraving, a process involving cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The density of fine lines creates tones and textures, from the figures’ robes to the ornamental border. But it is more than just a picture. Consider the labor involved in its making. Each line represents a deliberate mark, a testament to the engraver’s skill and time. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. They were a relatively affordable means of circulating images, effectively democratizing access to art and information. And so, while this print depicts royalty, it's also an object deeply intertwined with the burgeoning culture of print and its wider social impact. Ultimately, understanding the materials and methods behind this engraving allows us to appreciate its historical significance, as well as the skill involved in its creation, and reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images have complex stories to tell.