Christus geknield op het kruis door engel ondersteund 1729 - 1755

This print of Christ kneeling on the cross, supported by an angel, was made by Jean Moyreau. Executed on paper, the print’s striking composition results from skilled engraving. The artist would have used sharp tools, such as burins, to carve lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto the paper. The density of the marks creates areas of shadow and light. The linear quality of the engraved lines lends a sense of drama to the scene. The production of prints like this one was part of a larger industry, involving the division of labor. Some artists designed the images, while others, like Moyreau, specialized in the technical process of engraving. These prints were often made in multiples and circulated widely, making art more accessible to a broader audience. Ultimately, the work reminds us that the significance of art lies not just in its subject matter but also in the materials, tools, and social context that bring it into being.