Susanna en de ouderlingen 1629

Nicolaes de Bruyn made this print, Susanna and the Elders, using the exacting method of engraving. The image is produced by meticulously incising lines into a metal plate, allowing for incredibly fine detail. Look closely and you’ll see the artist has masterfully used this technique to create the illusion of light and shadow. This printmaking method allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, and the dissemination of visual narratives. The degree of skill involved speaks to the traditions of craftsmanship and the artistic vision of the time, especially the intricate cross-hatching used to define form and texture. Consider the labor-intensive process of engraving each line by hand. The commercialization of printmaking allowed artists to reach a wider audience. In effect, De Bruyn’s work reflects a shift towards a more democratic art world.