Christus in het huis van Simon de Farizeeër 1510 - 1550

Sebald Beham made this tiny print, Christus in het huis van Simon de Farizeeër, using engraving, a printmaking technique, sometime before his death in 1550. The engraver uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which are then inked and printed onto paper. This allows for incredibly fine detail, as you can see in the textures of the clothing and faces. The real skill here lies in the manipulation of the material, using the burin to create the illusion of depth and volume. The act of engraving, like other forms of craft, involves a direct engagement with the material, and a deep understanding of its properties. Beham shows great mastery of the technique. Looking closely, you can see how the density and direction of the lines create shadows and highlights, bringing the scene to life. This print is not just an image, it's a testament to the artist's skill, and the power of craft to convey complex ideas.