Jefta wordt door zijn broers verjaagd 1643

This print, Jefta wordt door zijn broers verjaagd, was made by Nicolaes Ryckmans sometime in the early 17th century. Its fine lines come from the process of engraving, where an image is incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The graphic nature of engraving lends itself to storytelling, but also to the transmission of political and religious ideas. Here, we see a biblical scene with an emphasis on drama and action. Ryckmans skillfully uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth and movement, all achieved through the work of his hand and eye. Consider the number of steps involved in the production of this image: the mining and preparation of the metal, the engraving itself, the inking, and finally, the printing. Each stage requires skill and labor, reflecting a collective effort. By attending to the process, we gain a new perspective on the print and how it gains meaning through its making.