Kruisdraging 1590 - 1632

Pieter de Jode I created this print, *Kruisdraging*, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The process used was engraving, where the artist incises a design into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The stark contrasts in this print are a direct result of the engraver's technique, giving the scene its dramatic quality. Notice how the fine, precise lines build up to create areas of shadow and texture. These lines don't just depict forms; they convey the emotional weight of the scene, the textures of the clothing, and the soldiers' armor. Engraving demands incredible skill and time. Each line is a deliberate act, and the final print is the result of focused labor. This meticulous process mirrors the suffering depicted. The print medium also allowed for wider distribution, connecting this image of religious suffering to a broader audience, and becoming part of a visual culture with lasting social impact. So we can see how material and making contribute to the meaning of this artwork.