"Memento Mori" 1595 - 1647

"Memento Mori" was made by Simon de Pas in the 17th century using engraving, a printmaking technique involving cutting lines into a metal plate. These aren't traditional artist materials; they're the tools of a skilled artisan. Look closely, and you'll see that the dense network of lines creates a detailed image, full of texture and contrast. The process of engraving demands precision and control, each line carefully considered to build up the overall composition. De Pas was part of a printmaking industry that catered to a growing market for images. These prints weren't just art; they were a form of visual communication, spreading ideas and reflecting social values. The “memento mori” theme itself, reminding us of death's inevitability, speaks to the era's anxieties and spiritual concerns. By considering the materials and methods involved in its making, we can appreciate this print as more than just a picture; it's a product of its time, shaped by labor, skill, and the culture of print.