Lot ontmoet de twee engelen aan de poort van Sodom 1557 - 1570

Philips Galle made this print, Lot Meeting the Two Angels at the Gate of Sodom, in the late 16th century, deploying the technique of engraving. Engraving is an incisive process; the artist carves lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The crisp, precise lines you see here are a direct result of that process. The act of engraving demands meticulous labor. Each line requires deliberate action, reflecting a tradition of skilled craftsmanship, but also the burgeoning print industry of the time. Consider how the texture and weight of the lines influence the appearance of the figures and architecture. The controlled precision allows for intricate details and shading, essential for conveying the scene's drama. Galle engaged with both the fine arts and the craft tradition of printmaking, creating multiples to be consumed. The print’s function as a reproduction ties it to the era's expanding networks of commerce and the labor required to meet that demand. Understanding this image means appreciating not only its artistic merit, but also the materiality and the social context that shaped its creation.