Maria Salomé 1595 - 1599

Maria Salomé was made by Karel van Mallery, around the turn of the 17th century, using the technique of engraving. This process involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the artist has used the fineness of the engraved line to create a sense of volume and texture, particularly in the drapery of Maria Salomé’s robes. Notice also the contrast between the smooth, polished areas and the densely worked areas of shadow. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master, and was essential for disseminating imagery. The print medium allowed for the widespread distribution of religious and other narratives, contributing to a shared visual culture. So, by focusing on the material and process behind this image, we can understand more about the broader social and cultural context in which it was made, recognizing the skilled labor involved and its role in shaping shared beliefs.