Portret van Carel Baron van Boetzelaer 1794

Charles Howard Hodges created this portrait of Carel Baron van Boetzelaer using a combination of painting and engraving, likely around the late 18th century. This printmaking technique involves meticulous labor: first incising a design into a metal plate, then applying ink, and finally transferring the image onto paper. The linear precision of the engraving beautifully captures the baron’s likeness and the intricate details of his military attire. Note how the artist renders the texture of the fabric and metallic embellishments, lending a tactile quality to the image. This print was likely made to celebrate the sitter's social status and accomplishments, and would have been produced in multiples for distribution. By combining the graphic impact of engraving with the tonal depth of painting, Hodges elevates printmaking from a mere reproductive technique to an art form in its own right. Appreciating the labor and skill involved in creating this artwork can challenge our assumptions about what constitutes 'high art.'