Dauw op de wollen vacht 1561 - 1579

This print, Dauw op de wollen vacht, or “Dew on the woolen fleece”, was made anonymously, using the technique of engraving. Here, the artist has used the material properties of metal to create a highly detailed image, one that could be reproduced multiple times. The engraver would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate, likely copper. Ink is then applied to the plate, and then wiped off the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The lines vary in thickness and density to create areas of light and shadow, and the artist's skill in manipulating the burin is evident in the fineness of the lines and the complexity of the composition. The amount of work involved in creating such a detailed image would have been considerable, reflecting the cultural and economic value placed on skilled craftsmanship at the time. Understanding the material and the making of the work allows us to fully appreciate the print.