13 Year Old Pelagius Martyred, Cordoba, Spain, AD 925 1685

Jan Luyken made this print, "13 Year Old Pelagius Martyred, Cordoba, Spain, AD 925," using engraving, a process with a rich history. The fine lines you see are the result of Luyken meticulously carving into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. The depth and density of these lines create the tonal range, from light to shadow, giving the scene its dramatic intensity. This was a highly skilled practice, demanding patience and precision, part of a long lineage of printmaking used for both artistic expression, and disseminating information. Engraving allowed for relatively mass production and distribution of images, crucial for spreading religious and political ideas. Consider the labor involved, not only in the artist's work, but also in the paper production and the printing process itself. These prints were commodities, and part of a growing culture of consumption. Ultimately, the artwork’s power lies in its connection to the social and political context of its creation, reminding us that art is not separate from the world of labor, politics, and belief.