Blackwork Print with Four Ring Bezel Combined with C-Scrolls and Insects 1592 - 1604

Hans de Bull created this blackwork print with four ring bezel, combined with c-scrolls and insects in the late 16th or early 17th century. De Bull made this work during a time when the printing press enabled the wide distribution of ornate patterns for artisans. The intricate design gives us a glimpse into the values of the era, where wealth and status were communicated through decorative motifs. The symmetry and detailed elements speak to a cultural desire for order and beauty. However, let's also consider this work as an expression of identity. Ornamentation and pattern-making are often culturally specific and tied to geographic location. De Bull lived in a society deeply structured by class and religious divides, and while little is known about his life, the work invites us to consider the emotional experience of living in that era. How did identity intersect with artistry in de Bull's world? Ultimately, the print serves as a window into the societal values and artistic practices of its time. It's a testament to the artist’s skill, as well as a reflection on the broader culture that shaped him.