Verzoening van Jakob en Esau 1549

Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert created ‘The Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau’ using engraving, a printmaking technique. To make an engraving like this one, the artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. This is a laborious process. Imagine the focused effort required to incise every single line, controlling pressure and angle to achieve the desired depth and thickness. Ink would then be applied to the plate, filling the carved lines, and the surface wiped clean. Finally, the image would be transferred to paper under great pressure using a printing press. This print is not just an image; it's a testament to Coornhert’s skill and the intaglio process. The stark contrast and precise lines create a sense of depth and drama. The texture of the paper, combined with the delicate lines, invites us to contemplate the labor involved. Thinking about the making helps us appreciate the value and artistry embedded in this print, challenging the traditional divide between craft and fine art.