Portret van Rudolf II van Habsburg c. 1593s - 1603s

This portrait of Rudolf II of Habsburg was made by Lambert Cornelisz using engraving, a printmaking technique that relies on the skilled manipulation of metal. Look closely, and you'll see how Cornelisz meticulously cut lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. The depth and density of these lines create the image, holding ink that is then transferred to paper under immense pressure. The portrait's crispness and detail speak to the engraver’s expertise, a craft honed through years of apprenticeship. Engraving was crucial for disseminating images and information in early modern Europe, playing a key role in shaping public perception. In this context, consider the labor involved in producing such a detailed portrait, and how the relative ease of producing multiples democratized image consumption. Though it mimics the look of an original, it’s actually a link in a chain of production, and a potent tool of social influence.