Cartouche met de aanbidding van het Christuskind 1722 - 1784

This print, "Cartouche with the Adoration of the Christ Child," was made by Simon Fokke sometime in the 18th century. Its creation involved a skilled technique called engraving, where the artist meticulously cut lines into a metal plate, likely copper, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Notice how the crispness of the lines defines the image, from the celestial gathering above to the pastoral scene below. Fokke’s expertise in engraving allowed for the intricate rendering of light and shadow, giving depth to the scene. But it’s not just about technique; prints like these were made possible by a whole system of production, with workshops, apprentices, and a market hungry for imagery. They brought art to a wider audience, reflecting a shift in how images were consumed. By appreciating the material and process behind this print, we can see it as more than just a religious image. It's a product of its time, deeply connected to the society and economy of 18th-century Europe.