Engeltjes in wolken spelend 1638 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop created this print, "Engeltjes in wolken spelend," using etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid. The material qualities here are all about line. Think about how the artist used the etching needle to create varying depths and thicknesses. This not only defines the cherubic figures and swirling clouds but also gives the print its texture. The process of etching involves careful labor; each line is deliberately drawn. De Bisschop's skill in this technique allows him to capture light and shadow, giving the figures a sense of volume and movement. Historically, printmaking was a crucial means of disseminating images. It democratized art, making it accessible beyond the wealthy elite. The labor-intensive process contrasts with the ethereal subject matter, reminding us of the skilled work involved in creating even seemingly effortless images. By focusing on the materials and making, we see how this print bridges the worlds of skilled craft and fine art, revealing the social and cultural values embedded in its production.