Heilige Judas Taddeüs 1639 - 1670

Petrus Clouwet created this depiction of Heilige Judas Taddeüs, or Saint Jude Thaddeus, through engraving, a printmaking technique. The image is made by incising lines onto a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density of the lines creates the illusion of shadow and form. The varying widths and depths of the lines are crucial, each one carefully carved to give the image its texture and tone. Consider the labor-intensive process of engraving. It requires both skill and time, reflecting a tradition deeply rooted in craft. The clean lines of the engraving give a sense of precision and clarity. The choice of this medium speaks to the social context of the time, where printmaking was an important method for disseminating images and ideas. By appreciating the skill involved in this engraving, we can move beyond traditional notions of fine art, recognizing the value and significance of the crafts.