Trapeziumvormige vlakdecoratie, middenonder zit een man met een pansfluit c. 1564 - 1565

This trapezium, or triangle shaped artwork, was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum with engraving. The effect of engraving is fascinating, as it necessitates the artist cut lines into a hard surface, traditionally a metal plate. Think about that process for a moment, the need to incise carefully to allow for the ink to settle into these grooves. This allows for incredibly fine detail, as you can see here, with all the figures and decorations, while still allowing the image to be reproduced. This process speaks to a culture of craft and industry, in which the artists would have been skilled artisans, part of a larger network of production and distribution. The engravings would then be printed and sold as individual sheets, bound into books, or used as decorative elements. Paying attention to materials, making, and context helps us to understand the full meaning of this artwork, and challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.