Pijniging van Adonibezek; Eglon door Ehud gedood 1748

This print, depicting biblical scenes, was made by Frans de Bakker. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique with a fascinating connection to labor and class. The lines you see weren't drawn directly; they were incised into a metal plate, likely copper, using a tool called a burin. This is a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. The artist would have to apply considerable pressure to create each groove, and every line represents a deliberate, physical action. The depth and spacing of the lines determine the tones and textures in the final print. The very act of engraving, with its reliance on skilled handwork, contrasts sharply with the scenes of violence. The print serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between artistic production, the circulation of images, and the social hierarchies they often represent. It challenges us to consider the labor involved in creating even seemingly simple images like this one.