Bavo Costerus Cleerbesem, opgebaard 1661 - 1666

Cornelis Visscher created this print of Bavo Costerus Cleerbesem sometime in the mid-17th century using engraving, a process of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then transferring the image to paper. Consider the labor involved in this kind of production; the painstaking act of carving the image in reverse, the physical effort of running prints, and the skilled specialization that went into each stage of production. The linear quality of the image, dictated by the technique, gives it a graphic intensity that invites close looking. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a theatrical effect, highlighting the figure of Cleerbesem and adding to the solemnity of the scene. By focusing on the material and the making, we can more fully understand the social context in which this print was created, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.