Martelaarschap van de heilige Laurentius 1665 - 1698

Jacques Blondeau created this print, titled "Martyrdom of St. Lawrence," in the late 17th century. It's made using engraving, a skilled process of cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The image shows the saint's execution. What's fascinating is how Blondeau used the graphic medium to create a richly layered image, full of light and shadow. The lines create the textures of the fabrics, the weight of the figures, and the drama of the moment. Engraving was a key method for disseminating images at this time, akin to mass media today. It allowed stories and ideas to circulate widely, influencing cultural and religious beliefs. The skill involved also elevated the status of the printmaker, blurring lines between craft and fine art. Consider how the physical process of engraving – the labor and precision – shapes not just the image, but also its social impact. It reminds us that art is always connected to its methods of production.