Koning David leunend tegen voetstuk 1659

This print of King David leaning against a pillar was made in the 17th century by Claude Mellan. It's a work on paper, made using the intaglio process of engraving. The material qualities of the print are subtle: fine lines coalesce to create areas of light and shadow. Mellan was celebrated for his ability to create tonal variations using only parallel lines. What makes this engraving so fascinating is the sheer labor involved in its production; each line meticulously carved into the metal plate by hand. This speaks to a pre-industrial mindset, where value was directly linked to the time and skill invested in making. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas. The work, with its religious and royal imagery, also hints at the close relationship between art, power, and patronage in the early modern era. Ultimately, "Koning David leunend tegen voetstuk" invites us to appreciate the skill and effort embedded in its creation.