Engel spreekt tot Cornelius 1697

This print shows an angel speaking to Cornelius, and was made by an anonymous artist using a technique called engraving. This is a method that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper to transfer the image. The stark contrast between light and shadow is really key here. Notice how the engraver uses fine, closely spaced lines to create darker areas, and wider, more open lines to suggest light. The linear quality of the engraving gives the image a crisp, graphic feel, while the cross-hatching adds depth and volume to the figures. Prints like these were often produced in multiples, making art more accessible to a wider audience. They represent a fascinating intersection of artistic skill, technological innovation, and social communication. It prompts us to think about how craft, labor, and faith come together in the production of meaning.