De forstandige jomfruer modtages af Herren 1605

Jan Saenredam created this print, "The Wise Virgins Welcomed by the Lord," around 1600, using an engraving technique. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. The most immediate quality of the engraving is, of course, its linear nature. Saenredam used this to great effect, creating a range of textures that describe the scene, from the women's voluminous drapery, to the landscape, to the night sky. It's easy to overlook the labor involved in this process, but each line represents a deliberate action, guided by skill and precision. Engraving was a meticulous craft, demanding expertise and time to produce even a single print. Saenredam was celebrated in his time for the virtuosity of his engravings; he often worked after designs by other artists. This print speaks to the sophisticated visual culture of the 17th century, where prints played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce.