Portret van Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp 1639

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger made this portrait of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp using the technique of engraving. This intaglio method involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the surface to transfer the image. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate network of lines that create the tonal variations and details, from the texture of the sitter's skin to the elaborate folds of his garments. The graphic language is one of controlled precision, a testimony to the engraver’s skill, but the end result is far from photographic. The choice of engraving as a medium also speaks to the social context of the work. Printmaking processes such as this were crucial to the dissemination of information and propaganda. The heroic likeness of Tromp, a naval commander, would have circulated widely, reinforcing his image and the power of the Dutch state. So this isn’t just a portrait, it's an assertion of power, carefully crafted and widely distributed.