De heilige Bonifatius after 1626

This engraving of Saint Boniface was made by Cornelis Bloemaert in the 17th century. It is a masterclass in line work. Bloemaert used metal plates to transfer his design to paper with the help of acid. The choice of metal is interesting as its inherent qualities like its hardness, and resistance to corrosion directly influence the appearance, and longevity of the print. Think about the amount of work involved in preparing the metal, engraving the image in reverse, and then printing it. This was no small feat. Engravings like this one had a huge impact on the cultural landscape. They made images like this widely available, and at relatively low costs, and played a key role in disseminating knowledge, and shaping popular devotion during the 17th century. Understanding its materials, its making, and its context helps us understand the full meaning of this engraving, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.