Monnik met parelsnoer Possibly 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole made this engraving, Monnik met parelsnoer, which translates to Monk with pearl necklace, sometime between 1660 and 1737. The engraving is made by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing it onto paper. Gole's skill with the burin is evident in the detailed rendering of the monk’s face, the folds of his garment, and the lustrous pearls he holds. Consider how the varying depth and density of the engraved lines create a range of tones, giving the image depth and texture. The choice of engraving as a medium is itself significant. In Gole’s time, printed images were a vital means of communication and dissemination of ideas. This work speaks to the complex relationship between religious authority, material wealth, and moral corruption. By focusing on the techniques and materials used, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork’s historical and cultural context, moving beyond the traditional boundaries of art history.