Christus in de hof van Getsemane 1602 - 1604

Raffaello Schiaminossi made this print, *Christus in de hof van Getsemane*, using engraving, a process requiring focused labor and skilled hands. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Here, the lines define the figures and landscape, creating light and shadow, and a tangible emotional atmosphere. The incisive lines, and the vocabulary of hatching and cross-hatching, create the whole scene. Think about the labor involved: each line carefully carved, the artist investing time and skill to convey a religious narrative. This connects to broader social issues of labor and production, reflecting a world where skilled craftsmanship was highly valued, but also a commodity subject to market forces. By considering the material and process of production, we gain insight into the social and cultural context of this artwork, appreciating its historical significance beyond its religious subject matter.