Portret van bisschop Felix Gabrielli, 70ste Minister Generaal van de franciscaner orde 1710 - 1738

This print of Bishop Felix Gabrielli, made by Antonio Luciani in the 1700s, exemplifies the art of engraving. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the design is meticulously incised. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating a reversed image. The striking contrast of line against the blank paper showcases the artist’s technical skill. Look closely and you’ll see how the density and direction of these lines create tone, texture, and form, defining the Bishop’s features and clothing. Engraving was a skilled craft, requiring precision, patience, and a deep understanding of materials. As a form of reproductive printmaking, it played a key role in disseminating images and ideas, reflecting the burgeoning culture of information and consumption in the early modern period. The level of labor accounts for the price, class, and modes of production. In this print, we see not just a portrait, but also the imprint of a complex social and economic history.