Man en vrouw met een lier 1794

Johann Friedrich Moritz Schreyer created this delicate engraving, “Man en vrouw met een lier”, around the late 18th century. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, where the artist carefully carves lines into a metal plate, usually copper, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the image is transferred. Schreyer’s skill is evident in the fine, precise lines that create subtle tonal variations. Look closely at the way he uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up shadow and define form, giving depth to the scene. This print exists thanks to a laborious process demanding both technical skill and artistic vision. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images result from significant investment of time and labor. Appreciating the craft involved encourages us to reconsider traditional hierarchies separating art forms, and invites us to value the expertise embedded in every mark.