Cornelius Musius opgehangen te Leiden, 1572 1790

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving, Cornelius Musius opgehangen te Leiden, 1572, using a metal plate, tools to cut lines into it, and ink to transfer the image onto paper. The stark contrast between light and shadow gives this print its dramatic impact. Consider how the process of engraving itself—the careful, precise carving into the metal—lends itself to such sharp definition. Vinkeles uses line and hatching to create tone and texture, bringing depth and emotion to the scene. But the material reality of this print also speaks to a wider social context. Engravings like this were relatively reproducible, and made it possible to disseminate political messages widely during the 18th century. Here, the act of memorializing a historical event through print becomes a form of social commentary. The labor of the artist, the skilled techniques employed, and the very materials used, all converge to give this artwork its enduring significance.