H. Paulus 1660

This print of H. Paulus was made in the 17th century by Lucas Vorsterman II using engraving, a printmaking technique dependent on the skilled use of sharp tools. The image is a study in contrasts, literally. Vorsterman carefully incised lines into a copper plate; the depth and density of these marks determined how much ink the plate would hold. When pressed against paper, the ink created the image we see: a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The density of the lines suggests a real intensity of labor. Engraving demands both technical precision and artistic sensitivity. The engraver must be a master of their tools, capable of translating subtle variations in tone and texture. But they must also be an interpreter, capable of capturing the essence of the subject. It’s this combination of skill and insight that elevates engraving from a mere craft to a true art form.