Embleem met engel die man toont hoe hij deugd en zonde tegen elkaar af moet wegen 1620

This print, "Embleem met engel die man toont hoe hij deugd en zonde tegen elkaar af moet wegen", was made by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert. The primary process at play is engraving, which is an intaglio printmaking technique. To make this print, the artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, likely copper. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, a mirror image of the design is transferred. What's compelling is the way that this method, labor-intensive as it is, allows for incredibly fine detail. Look closely and you'll see the textures of the angel's wings, the drapery of the figures, and the expressions on their faces. The image's clarity speaks to the skill and precision of the engraver. The sharp lines, the tonal range achieved through hatching and cross-hatching, all contribute to a visually arresting composition, rich in detail. In the end, this artwork is not just a representation of virtue and vice, but also a testament to human ingenuity, and the power of craft.