Bijbelsche kinderprenten 1869 - 1908

This print, titled *Biblical Children's Prints*, was created by Héliodore Joseph Pisan. It's an engraving, a process where an image is cut into a metal plate, inked, and then transferred to paper. Engraving is a skilled, labor-intensive process. The quality of the final image depends on the engraver's dexterity and control. Pisan has used a variety of fine lines and stippling to create tone and texture, giving the scenes depth and drama. The four vignettes depict destruction, prophecy, judgement, and vision, illustrating stories from the Bible. Prints like this were a form of mass media in their day, designed to spread religious knowledge. The act of engraving allowed for the dissemination of images to a broad audience, tying art to the era’s political economy. These prints blur the line between art and craft. They remind us of the crucial role that skilled trades play in shaping cultural understanding.