Portret van Louis-Emmanuel de Valois, graaf van Alais en hertog van Angoulême 1643

This engraving of Louis-Emmanuel de Valois was created by Claude Mellan, a French artist known for his skill in line engraving, sometime in the 17th century. Mellan used a technique where a single, continuous line is delicately etched into a copper plate, which is then used to print the image. Notice how the varying thickness of the line creates shadow and volume. This was painstaking work! The image is a testament to Mellan's technical virtuosity, but also reflects the social context of the time. Engravings like this were often commissioned by the wealthy elite, like Louis-Emmanuel de Valois himself, to commemorate their status and achievements. The print is not just a portrait, but also a product of labor, skill, and a specific moment in the history of image-making. Appreciating the craftsmanship behind it allows us to look beyond the surface and consider the social dynamics at play.