Portret van Juan Tancredi, 54ste Minister Generaal van de franciscaner orde 1710 - 1738

This print depicting Juan Tancredi, 54th Minister General of the Franciscan Order, was made by Antonio Luciani in the early 18th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper. Consider the labor involved. The artist would have used specialized tools to carefully cut lines into the surface, building up the image bit by bit. Ink was then applied, wiped away, and the print was made by pressing paper against the plate. The lines would hold the ink, transferring it to the paper. This contrasts with the soft hatching that models Tancredi's face and robes. The production of prints like this one relied on skilled handwork, embedded within a larger system of patronage and religious authority. The very act of creating a print made it possible to disseminate Tancredi’s image widely, reinforcing his position and the power of the Franciscan order. This artwork reflects a moment when traditional craft practices were being adapted to new social and political needs. It challenges the boundary between skilled craft and fine art.