Titelprent voor Miracula et Beneficia SS. Rosario, 1610 1610

This print, *Titelprent voor Miracula et Beneficia SS. Rosario*, was made in 1610 in Antwerp, by Theodoor Galle. It's an engraving, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Engraving like this was a highly skilled, laborious process. Each line had to be carefully cut, demanding precision and control. Look closely, and you can see the distinct quality of each stroke, the way they build up to create tone and texture. The density of the lines give the image depth, while the stark contrast emphasizes the graphic nature of the print. Prints like this weren't just art objects; they were a means of disseminating information, and devotional imagery in this case. The printing press, a technology of mass production, allowed for images and ideas to be spread far and wide, contributing to the religious and political landscape of the time. So while this print may seem small and unassuming, it's a testament to the power of craft and technology in shaping our world.