Presentatie in de tempel 1598 - 1618

This print, Presentatie in de tempel, was made by Jacques de Bie, who lived from 1581 to 1647. The printmaking process is interesting in itself. The image was first incised into a metal plate, likely copper, using tools like burins and etching needles. These tools allowed the artist to create fine lines and textures, which are visible in the intricate details of the clothing, faces, and architectural elements. Ink would have been applied to the plate, and then wiped away from the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. Then, the plate was pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Printmaking allowed for the wide dissemination of images, making art accessible to a broader audience. This was especially important in the context of religious art, as it allowed for the spread of religious ideas. The level of detail achieved speaks to the skill of the artist, but also to the efficiency of the printing press.