Christus aan het kruis en een gastmaal 1630

Philippe van Mallery made this print of "Christus aan het kruis en een gastmaal," using the intaglio process, a technique that involves incising lines into a metal plate to hold ink. The density of the etched lines creates a range of tones, from the dark shadows to the delicate rendering of figures. Mallery's skill in manipulating the material is evident in the intricate details and textures. The image depicts the juxtaposition of Christ's crucifixion with a feast, and this contrast would have resonated with the print's viewers. Printmaking in this era was a distinctly collaborative process, relying on the labor and skill of artisans. It speaks to the socio-economic context of the time, in which art was produced through a network of workshops, and where the making process itself carried cultural significance. The use of prints allowed the wide distribution of religious imagery and moral messages. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we can understand how this print reflects the intersection of art, craft, and society.