Jonadab adviseert Amnon 1559 - 1579

Philips Galle created 'Jonadab adviseert Amnon' using engraving, a printmaking technique, sometime before his death in 1612. The image is crafted through carefully incised lines on a metal plate, likely copper, which hold the ink and transfer the design to paper. The process demanded skill and precision, a technique that had been refined over generations in workshops across Europe, meeting the growing demand for reproducible images. Consider how the fine lines create the figures, architecture, and drama of the scene. Engraving was not just a means of artistic expression, but also a commercial enterprise. Prints like this were produced in multiples, making art and information accessible to a wider audience than ever before. The level of detail speaks to the labor invested, each line a deliberate mark contributing to the overall composition. By understanding its making, we appreciate the fusion of artistic skill, technical knowledge, and commercial intent.