Putto met bloemenkrans en palmtak 1618 - 1655

This is an engraving, made by Cornelis Schut, of a ‘putto’ or winged child, bearing a wreath and palm frond. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a metal plate, traditionally copper. The artist uses a tool called a burin to cut lines into the surface. The deeper the cut, the more ink it will hold. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The fine lines and dense cross-hatching create a sense of depth and shading, typical of engraving. It’s a demanding, highly skilled practice. The fact that Schut chose this medium suggests that he valued the precision and control it offered, embedding the image with connotations of expertise. Though small, the print represents a substantial investment of labor. This elevates the work beyond a simple image, inviting us to consider the many hours of skilled work required for its production.