Portret van Godescalcus Stewechius op 32-jarige leeftijd 1583

This is Hendrick Goltzius’s 1583 engraving of Godescalcus Stewechius, made using a technique that was both laborious and ingenious. Engraving involves incising lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Notice the incredible detail Goltzius achieved. The fine lines create a range of tones, from the dark background to the delicate ruff around Stewechius’s neck. The density of the lines suggests the textures of the fabrics, and even the man's skin. The process speaks to the growing importance of printmaking during this period, and the social and economic changes enabled by distribution and production. Engravings like this one were relatively affordable, allowing a wider audience to access images and information. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple artworks can be deeply connected to the labor, technology, and social context of their time. They challenge our traditional ideas about art and craft.