De kleine Johannes en Maria aanbidden het Christuskind 1576 - 1580

Hendrick Goltzius made this print, "The infant John and Mary Adoring the Christ Child," using an engraving technique. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a surface, usually a metal plate. The artist uses a tool called a burin to manually carve lines into the plate; these lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the image is transferred. Look closely and you can see how Goltzius used complex patterns of lines to create shading and texture, giving the image depth and form. The technique demands a high level of skill and precision, reflecting the traditions of craftsmanship that were highly valued in the Northern Renaissance. Engravings like this one were often reproduced and disseminated widely, which reflects the commercial aspects of art production at the time, and demonstrates the cultural and social exchanges that occurred through printmaking. So it is an exquisite work, but also an artifact of its time. By considering materials, making, and historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation for this detailed image.