Ahasveros geeft de ring aan Mordechai Possibly 1705 - 1728

This print, "Ahasveros geeft de ring aan Mordechai" was made by Matthijs Pool in the early 18th century, and is rendered in the demanding technique of engraving. Note the stark contrast between light and dark. This wasn’t achieved with a pencil or brush, but by the controlled cutting of lines into a copper plate, a highly skilled process requiring years of training. Pool would have used tools called burins to physically remove slivers of metal, creating grooves that hold ink. The deeper and more numerous the lines, the darker the area appears when printed. This painstaking method allowed for incredible detail and precision. Look at the textures of the fabrics, the expressions on the figures' faces, and the architectural elements in the background. The very act of engraving, with its labor-intensive and controlled process, speaks to the hierarchical world depicted, where power and status are meticulously constructed and maintained. The process of engraving mirrors the themes of order and authority that are central to the story. So, next time you look at a print, consider the immense skill and labor involved in its creation. It’s a process that connects the artist's hand directly to the final image, embodying a dedication to craft and a remarkable feat of technical skill.