Mozes en de koperen slang 1597

This print, depicting Moses and the brazen serpent, was made by Francesco Villamena in the late 16th or early 17th century. It is an engraving, which is a printmaking process that relies on the skilled use of metal tools to manually incise an image into a copper plate. Notice how the density of lines creates areas of dark and light, almost like a black and white painting. This effect is only achieved through labor-intensive carving, which is the work of the hand. Printmaking in Villamena’s time was linked to a burgeoning industry of image reproduction and distribution. Prints were relatively inexpensive compared to paintings, making biblical scenes accessible to a wider audience. The print also speaks to the relationship between art and religious instruction. It was a medium through which ideas and stories could be disseminated, contributing to shared cultural understanding and potentially, religious reform. Looking at this print, we should recognize not only the artistry of Villamena, but also the importance of printmaking as a mode of production, shaping both artistic expression and social consciousness.