Dansend stel, de man trekt zijn hoed c. 1537 - 1555

This engraving, "Dancing Couple, the Man Tipping his Hat", was created by Cornelis Bos in the 16th century. It is made using the intaglio process, where a design is incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper, resulting in the fine lines you see here. The material of the metal plate is crucial, traditionally copper, allowing for precise detailing. Bos was skilled in capturing the textures of the clothing and the figures' movement with such simple means. The engraver's art, while demanding immense skill, was also reproductive by nature, contributing to a burgeoning print market. This made art more accessible, playing a pivotal role in disseminating visual ideas across Europe. Engravings like these existed in a complex economic and social context, where the value of art was shifting from unique craftsmanship to reproducible design. This print represents a fascinating intersection of artistic skill and early capitalist modes of production.