Mannen van Sodom met blindheid geslagen 1582 - 1613

This engraving, made by Pieter van der Borcht around the turn of the 17th century, depicts the Old Testament story of the destruction of Sodom. The image is created through the meticulous, repetitive process of engraving, where the artist carves lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied, and the surface is pressed onto paper, transferring the design. Here, the stark contrast between the inked lines and the paper creates a scene of chaos and divine retribution. Notice how the artist uses cross-hatching to add depth and shadow to the scene, and how the density of lines creates the illusion of texture and form. The linear nature of engraving lends itself well to architectural and figurative detail, capturing the story’s moral lesson. Consider the labour involved in producing such a print, and the political and religious context in which it was made. It's a powerful reminder that even the most delicate and precise techniques can be used to convey messages with real social impact.