Heilige Macarius Romanus van Mesopotamië 1590 - 1619

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert made this print of Saint Macarius Romanus of Mesopotamia using engraving, a meticulous, labor-intensive process. A design is incised into a metal plate, typically copper, using a tool called a burin. The lines carved into the metal hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure using a printing press. Look closely, and you can see the dense network of fine lines that define the forms and textures of the image, from the saint's flowing beard to the rugged rocks of the desert landscape. The engraver's skill lies in their ability to create a convincing illusion of depth and volume through subtle variations in line weight and density. The final print is a testament to the engraver's technical skill and patience, requiring a deep understanding of materials, tools, and the printing process itself. This contrasts with the solitary Saint, but is proof of the cultural industry of image making and distribution.