H. Andreas met zijn kruis 1629

This print of H. Andreas with his cross was made by an anonymous artist, using a process called engraving. The lines you see were incised into a metal plate, likely copper. Ink was then applied to the plate, and wiped off the surface, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, the plate was pressed onto paper. Look closely at the image. You'll notice the dense hatching that models the figure's muscular body, drapery, and the rough texture of the wooden cross. This attention to texture is a crucial aspect of the print's material presence. Consider the labor-intensive process of engraving. Each line represents a deliberate mark, requiring skill and precision. The print translates a sculpture originally intended to be carved from marble. Through engraving, the artist mediates between the monumentality of sculpture and the accessibility of printmaking, challenging traditional boundaries between artistic disciplines. Ultimately, by understanding the materials, processes, and cultural context of this print, we gain a richer appreciation of its artistic value and social significance.