Charles II

About this work

This engraving shows Charles II as a boy in a lace collar and velvet robe. His face is serious but soft, like he’s posing for a long time. The artist carved fine lines to shade the background, leaving the king’s features crisp. Notice the cross-hatching on the robe’s folds—tiny parallel lines that make the fabric look real. It’s an old trick: ink sits in the grooves, so the darkest parts print strongest. Try looking up Dalen I, Cornelis van next.