Portret van Jacques d'Arthois 1649 - 1694

This portrait of Jacques d’Arthois was made by Pieter de Jode the Younger, using engraving – a printmaking process prized for its precision. A metal plate, likely copper, was painstakingly incised with lines using a tool called a burin. The depth and density of these lines create the image, holding ink that's then transferred to paper under immense pressure. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the engraver varies the marks to define form and texture, from the soft curls of hair to the folds of fabric. This wasn't just replication; it was a skilled interpretation of d’Arthois' likeness, mediated by the engraver's hand and the capabilities of the medium. The resulting print could be reproduced and disseminated widely, making it a powerful tool for shaping public perception. Consider the labor involved: the artist and the printer. De Jode was part of a family workshop. In this way, printmaking played a crucial role in the economy of art, connecting makers, subjects, and audiences in a web of production and consumption.