Koning Jacobus II verwelkomd door Lodewijk XIV, 1689 1689

This print of King James II Welcomed by Louis XIV was made in 1689 by Pieter Pickaert. It’s a detailed copper engraving, a process that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the image. The medium of engraving lends itself well to the subject matter: political power. The sharp lines and precise details emphasize the grandeur of the occasion, and the control of both rulers. Consider the labor involved in creating such an image. The engraver would have needed significant skill to translate the scene onto the metal plate, line by line. The quality of the print would depend on the engraver's expertise, and the press operator's ability to apply even pressure. Prints like this one were crucial for disseminating images and ideas across Europe. They helped shape public opinion and reinforce the authority of the ruling class. The act of making this print, and others like it, demonstrates how art and craft intersect with politics, labor, and social power.