Christus in debat met de farizeeën over de belasting aan de keizer 1582 - 1613

This print, made by Pieter van der Borcht the Elder, uses the incisive, reproductive technique of engraving to depict Christ in debate. Engraving is an intaglio process. The artist carves lines into a metal plate – usually copper – with a tool called a burin. The deeper the cut, the more ink it holds. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, leaving a precise image. The resulting print is a mirror image of the original design. Here, the controlled lines capture the nuances of light and shadow, and the expressions on the faces of Christ and the Pharisees. The medium lends itself well to complex scenes like this. It demands patience and precision, reflecting the intellectual rigor of theological debate. The widespread availability of prints also played a crucial role in disseminating religious ideas during the Reformation, making it an important technology of its time. So, next time you encounter a print, consider not just the image, but the labor, skill, and social context embedded in its making.