Aeneas breekt de gouden tak af 1633 - 1692

Cornelis Bloemaert made this engraving, Aeneas breekt de gouden tak af, sometime in the 17th century. The image is made through a laborious process of incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The crisp lines create a sense of depth and detail, drawing us into the mythological scene. Consider the skilled handiwork involved in creating such a print, each line carefully etched to convey form and emotion. The artist’s expertise transforms metal and ink into a narrative, connecting us to the world of classical mythology. The printmaking process itself, with its reliance on skilled labor and mechanical reproduction, speaks to the changing social and economic landscape of the 17th century. So, the next time you look at a print, remember the intricate dance of materials, skill, and context that bring it to life.