Eedaflegging van Karel V van Habsburg 1863 - 1890

Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels made this print, titled "Eedaflegging van Karel V van Habsburg," using etching and engraving. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that define the figures and architectural details. This printmaking technique involves laboriously incising an image onto a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The process gives the image its distinctive graphic quality, with its contrasts of light and shadow. The act of reproducing images through printmaking democratizes access to art, allowing for wider circulation and engagement. Michiels' choice of this medium underscores the historical significance of the event depicted, the abdication of Charles V, while also commenting on the power of representation itself. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating this print reflects a desire to preserve and disseminate knowledge through the skilled manipulation of materials. By appreciating the labor and technique involved, we can better understand the social and cultural significance of printmaking as a medium for both artistic expression and historical documentation.