Portret van Julienne Morell 1682

This is a portrait of Julienne Morell, made by Edme de Boulonois as an engraving. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking process where the artist uses a tool to cut lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the lines, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, creating the image. The fine lines and details in this portrait suggest that the artist would have been a highly skilled artisan, trained in the delicate craft of engraving. The process would have been labour-intensive and time-consuming, requiring precision and control. Note the background which has been built up using tiny dots. The controlled and repetitive action involved in creating such an image underscores the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. The choice of engraving as a medium adds another layer of meaning to the work. It speaks to the value placed on skill and labor, and the cultural significance of printed images in disseminating knowledge and ideas.