Reliëf met acht putti c. 1634 - 1669

Nicolaes van Helt Stockade made this print of a relief with eight putti sometime in the mid-17th century. The work's material—in this case, ink applied to paper using etched or engraved plates—plays a crucial role in shaping its appearance. Stockade's skillful lines capture the illusion of three-dimensionality in the putti's forms. The texture of the ink on paper mimics the feel of a carved relief, inviting a tactile experience. The artist was a master of transferring the depth of stone carving into the fine lines of printmaking. In the 17th century, printmaking was a key method for disseminating images. It allowed artists to reach a wider audience beyond the confines of wealthy patrons. This piece reflects the growing commercialization of art, and how artists like Stockade adapted traditional techniques to meet the demands of a changing market. It challenges conventional hierarchies between fine art and more accessible forms of visual culture.