Portret van Theodorus Schrevelius op 46-jarige leeftijd 1618

This engraving of Theodorus Schrevelius was made by Jacob Matham, a Dutch printmaker, sometime around the early 17th century. Matham has used a technique called ‘engraving’, where the image is incised into a metal plate, ink is applied, and then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. When pressed against paper, the image is transferred. This process demands meticulous skill, and a deep understanding of the materials involved, from the hardness of the metal to the absorbency of the paper. The image has a graphic quality, which suited the growing print market of the time. With printmaking, images could be reproduced and distributed widely, contributing to a broader circulation of knowledge and artistic ideas. This portrait of Schrevelius exemplifies how craft intersects with commerce and culture. It reflects a society where skilled artisans played a crucial role in disseminating information, shaping public perception, and memorializing prominent figures.