Portret van François de Malherbe 1628 - 1630

This is a portrait of François de Malherbe, made by Lucas Vorsterman the First, sometime in the 17th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Look closely and you can see the delicate lines that build up the image, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The act of engraving is an interesting one. It is a highly skilled tradition, demanding precision, control, and an intimate understanding of the materials. The engraver pushes against the resistance of the metal, and the incised lines hold the ink, transferring the image to the page. Consider the social context here. Engravings like this one were a form of reproduction, making images accessible to a wider audience. They were often commissioned to celebrate or commemorate individuals, playing a role in shaping public perception. By focusing on the material and the making, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance, and begin to question traditional distinctions between art, craft, and social history.