Allegorische voorstelling met de personificatie van de schilderkunst 1699 - 1700

This engraving, made by Bernard Picart, presents an allegorical scene related to painting. An engraving is essentially a graphic design, multiplied. The key to its effectiveness is the matrix – in this case, a copper plate – which is worked with incredible precision. Note the crisp lines of the composition, achieved by incising with a tool called a burin. The physical labor is considerable, demanding great skill to accurately translate an image into a network of tiny cuts. Every mark removes material, a decisive and uncorrectable process. The plate is then inked, and printed by pressing paper against it, transferring the image. The figures are meant to represent the arts, and while the image is intended as a celebration, it reminds us of the labor involved in all creative work. Ultimately, an engraving like this one is the product of countless hours of focused manual effort. Appreciating that making helps us to understand its full significance, challenging any high/low distinction.