Monnik vangt het bloed van Christus op 1616

This print, *Monnik vangt het bloed van Christus op*, was made around 1616 by the artist Wierix, using engraving. It's a meticulous process. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. The plate is then inked, and the ink wiped away, remaining only in the carved lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image is transferred. Look closely and you can see the fineness of the lines, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. This technique wasn't just about reproduction; it was a skilled craft in itself. The image speaks to the labor involved, in both the depicted scene and the means of production. Engravings like this circulated widely, playing a crucial role in disseminating religious ideas. As a multiple, it made the image of Christ's sacrifice accessible. So, next time you see a print, consider the handwork involved, and how its material form connects to the wider world of labor, religion, and commerce.