Hoekornament met kaart van Amerika 1590

This corner ornament with a map of America was made by an anonymous maker, employing the printmaking technique of engraving. The fine lines and intricate details of the map and decorative elements speak to the precise and controlled nature of the engraving process. A sharp tool, called a burin, was used to carve lines directly into a metal plate, and the plate was then inked and printed onto paper. The image’s monochrome palette results from the nature of the printing process. The process demands time, skill, and precision, with each line carefully considered to create the desired effect. Given the presence of text, cartouches, and ornamental design, the print may have been produced in a workshop setting. Engravings like this one played a crucial role in disseminating information and knowledge during an era of exploration and discovery, as well as reflecting the commercialization and commodification of knowledge. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we gain insight into the cultural values, systems of production, and circulation of knowledge that shaped its creation. This piece reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the result of complex processes and social contexts.