Heilige Bruno neemt het monnikskleed van de Kartuizers aan 1623 - 1676

François Chauveau made this print of Saint Bruno in the 17th century, using a technique called engraving. Here, the artist incised lines into a copper plate, which were then filled with ink and printed onto paper. The fine, precise lines made possible by this method allowed Chauveau to create a highly detailed image. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the fabrics, the expressions on the figures' faces, and the architectural details of the church interior. The image shows Saint Bruno receiving the monastic habit of the Carthusian order. The repetition of lines indicates the importance of labor and craftmanship, both in the production of the print itself, and in the representation of religious devotion. Engravings like this one were often produced in multiples and distributed widely, allowing for the dissemination of religious imagery and ideas. By understanding the materials, making, and social context of this print, we can appreciate its full meaning.