Ruth en Boaz Possibly 1655 - 1702

This engraving, titled "Ruth and Boaz," was made by an anonymous artist. The image is entirely composed of lines etched into a metal plate, an indirect process that has been used for centuries to reproduce images and texts. Consider the level of work required to create the complex scene before you. Think of the labor involved in designing, engraving, and printing. It speaks to the immense labor required to create the image. Now look closely at the composition. It is as if we are witnessing a stage play, with figures arranged across a foreground and background. This is a direct result of the linear quality of engraving. The lines create subtle shifts in tone, but it would have been simpler and faster to create a bold composition by using stark contrasts. The image speaks to the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, and the high amount of work involved in the production process. Recognizing the craftsmanship of this print gives us a deeper insight into the value and cultural significance that these objects hold.