Heilige Veronica met zweetdoek staand tussen heiligen Petrus en Paulus 1481 - 1578

This small print depicts Saint Veronica, flanked by Saints Peter and Paul, and was made by an anonymous artist using engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a surface – in this case, a copper plate. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to physically cut lines into the metal. These grooves then hold ink, which is transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you can see the characteristic sharpness and precision of the engraved line. Note how these lines define form, create texture, and render light and shadow, giving the scene depth and drama. The amount of labor involved in creating such a detailed image is considerable, and it speaks to the cultural value placed on skilled craftsmanship at the time. Considering this print through the lens of making helps us to appreciate the technical skill of the engraver, and how the material qualities of the medium contribute to its overall aesthetic and meaning.