Christus voor koning Herodes 1590 - 1622

This engraving, depicting Christ before King Herod, was made by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert. It's an example of printmaking, a technology that allowed for the mass production and distribution of images. The process begins with an image carefully incised into a metal plate, often copper. This is achieved by using tools to cut lines into the surface, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Finally, a sheet of paper is pressed against the plate with considerable force, transferring the ink and creating a reversed impression of the original design. The fine lines and intricate details are a testament to the engraver's skill, achieved through hours of labor. In its own time, printmaking democratized image consumption but relied on the skilled labor of artisans, and the supply chain of workshops. The prints made by Bolswert could be circulated as single sheets, or bound into books, and consumed by a wide audience. By understanding the labor, circulation, and consumption of prints like this, we can fully appreciate their artistic and cultural significance.