Perzik en brandende liefde 1617

This is an engraving of a peach and a flower of Constantinople, made by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger, likely sometime in the first half of the 17th century. As an engraving, it’s a direct product of early modern print culture, a technology that was quickly transforming modes of communication. Notice the clarity of line, achieved by careful use of a burin on a copper plate. Think of the artist, bent over the metal, using highly skilled handwork to make multiple identical images. Though the prints themselves would have been relatively inexpensive, they depended on both artistic and mechanical labor. Also, consider the function of this print. Botanical illustrations were becoming increasingly common at this time. The expanding world, spurred by trade and colonialism, created a growing demand for visual information. This image, therefore, participates in a much wider story of global exchange and consumption. By considering materials, processes, and social context, we appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.