Vlucht naar Egypte 1633 - 1673

Coenraet Waumans made this print, *Vlucht naar Egypte*, or *Flight into Egypt*, in the 17th century using engraving, a process reliant on skilled labor. The image is created by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then pressing paper onto it. Look closely, and you can see that the composition emerges from many thin incisions. The varying depth and density of these lines create the illusion of light, shadow, and texture, bringing the scene to life. The printmaking process allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. In this context, it also serves to disseminate a religious narrative. The labor-intensive nature of engraving, coupled with its reproductive capabilities, reflects the complex interplay between craftsmanship, commerce, and cultural dissemination.