Reproductie van een prent van de kruisiging door Martin Schongauer before 1872

This is a reproduction of a print of the crucifixion by Martin Schongauer, made by Simonau & Toovey. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed onto paper. The etcher would have coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, and then drawn the composition through it with a sharp needle. The plate would then be submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the darker the line would appear in the print. Look closely, and you can see the way the varying line weights create a sense of light and shadow. This print is not just a devotional image, but a demonstration of skilled labor. Remember, each line represents a deliberate, painstaking action. In a world increasingly dominated by mechanical reproduction, the artistry and handcraft of printmaking offer a powerful reminder of the human touch.