Petrus, Paulus, Voorzichtigheid en Rechtvaardigheid 1605

This print, *Petrus, Paulus, Voorzichtigheid en Rechtvaardigheid*, was made in 1605 by an anonymous artist, using the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a plate – usually copper – which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see the crisp precision this method allows. The lines create not only the contours of the figures and architectural elements but also the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The production of prints like this one was a vital part of the early modern information economy, and the relatively low cost meant that ideas could circulate widely. This particular print, a title page for a book on justice, demonstrates how printed images could lend authority to intellectual endeavors, visually framing the text within a classical and religious context. The labor-intensive process of engraving, requiring skilled artisans, underscores the value placed on disseminating knowledge in this era. By appreciating the materials and techniques involved, we recognize the central role these images played in shaping cultural and intellectual life.