Misbruik van de rechtspraak c. 1593 - 1597

This print, made by Karel van Mallery sometime in the early 17th century, is an engraving. That means the image you see was incised into a copper plate, which was then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the artist’s labor. The lines are carefully placed to create a sense of depth and shadow. The figures are rendered with a high level of detail, their expressions and gestures conveying a sense of drama. But what really brings the scene to life is the crispness of the engraving. This allows for sharp contrasts and a remarkable level of clarity. Engraving was a skilled, time-consuming process, and the quality of the print speaks to van Mallery's expertise. This was not just a way of making an image; it was a way of communicating ideas about labor, class, and justice, making it accessible to a wider audience through the medium of print. Ultimately, understanding the making helps us grasp the meaning of this compelling image.