Geloof 1592 - 1667

This print, titled "Geloof" - or "Faith" - was made anonymously, using a technique called engraving. The image is achieved by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The fineness of the lines, and the precision required to create the image, speaks to the skill of the engraver, who was often a highly trained artisan. The material qualities of the print - its smoothness and its sharp detail - are a direct result of this process. Engravings like this one were often produced in multiples and distributed widely. In this way, the image of Faith could reach a broad audience, illustrating the virtues of the church, and reinforcing its values. The print is a reminder that art is not just about individual expression, but also about the social and economic contexts in which it is made and consumed.