Geseling van de apostelen 1580

Johann Sadeler I made this print, Geseling van de apostelen, at the turn of the 17th century, using an engraving technique. Think about the labor involved in that process, with the artist using a tool called a burin to manually cut lines into a metal plate. Every single mark on this surface was made by hand. The degree of control over the burin dictated the fineness of the lines and the overall level of detail. Then that plate was inked, and paper pressed against it. Engraving was essential to the flow of information at the time; it was a reproductive medium that allowed images to be circulated widely, contributing to the development of public opinion, but it also had its own unique aesthetic qualities and status. By focusing on the artistic process and the social context, we can better appreciate the historical, cultural, and artistic value of this print, and perhaps challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.