Midasoordeel 1589

Nicolaes Jansz. Clock made this print, Midasoordeel, using the intaglio process. That means the image was incised into a copper plate, which then carried the ink to the paper. It’s a reproductive technology, capable of generating multiple images of the same design. Notice how the material and process here has everything to do with the image’s appearance. The crisp lines, the dense cross-hatching that creates tonal variation—these are consequences of the artist’s skilled manipulation of a metal plate. The design depicts a mythological scene, the musical contest between Apollo and Pan. The labor that went into this image reflects its cultural function: to disseminate knowledge of classical themes. The print medium also allowed a broader audience to possess and appreciate this imagery. In this way, Midasoordeel exemplifies how prints democratized art, making it accessible beyond elite circles. It’s a reminder that even seemingly conventional artworks are deeply intertwined with production, labor, and social context.