Festivitates Aurifabris (...) / Verscheide Snakeryen dienstich voor Goutsmits, Beelthouwers, Steenhouwers, en alle die de const beminnen (Plate 7) 1654 - 1678

Johannes Lutma the Elder created this print, "Festivitates Aurifabris," using etching and engraving techniques. At first glance, you see an elaborate ornamental design, perhaps a cartouche or frame, rendered with meticulous detail in monochromatic tones. The composition is dominated by curvilinear forms; undulating lines create a sense of movement and plasticity. Lutma's masterful use of hatching and cross-hatching gives depth to the design, accentuating its three-dimensionality. The print served as a pattern for artisans, a template for goldsmiths, sculptors, and stonemasons. This speaks to the function of art as a practical tool, a means of disseminating aesthetic ideas. Lutma destabilizes fixed notions of art by positioning it in a dialogue between form and function. The empty space in the center invites the viewer to imagine the possibilities for its use, challenging the idea of a singular, static meaning. The formal qualities underscore a cultural discourse around craftsmanship and the role of art in everyday life. The artwork becomes a testament to the enduring power of design as a catalyst for creativity.