Portret van Claude Lamoral de Ligne (I) 1619 - 1672

This is a portrait of Claude Lamoral de Ligne, made by Theodor van Merlen in the 17th century. It’s an engraving, a printmaking process that involves incising an image into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. The success of an engraving relies on the skill of the engraver, who must translate the desired image into a series of precise lines and marks. Here, you can see that van Merlen has used this technique to create a detailed likeness of his subject, capturing the texture of his hair and clothing, and even the glint of light on his armor. Engravings like this were often commissioned by wealthy patrons as a way to disseminate their image and enhance their social standing. The medium itself speaks to issues of labor, politics, and consumption: the production of engravings required skilled artisans, and the resulting prints were often distributed widely, shaping public perceptions of the individuals they depicted. So, by looking closely at the materials and processes involved in making this image, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.