Achior Pleading with Holofernes for the Israelites, plate one from The Story of Judith and Holofernes 1564

This print, Achior Pleading with Holofernes for the Israelites, was made by Philip Galle using the technique of engraving. This process involves meticulously cutting lines into a metal plate with a tool called a burin. The act of engraving imbues the image with a particular graphic quality. Look at the density of lines used to create shading and form, notice the details in the figures' armor, their facial expressions, and the folds of their garments. The precision of the engraving suggests a highly skilled artisan, with a dedication to craft and artistry. Engraving like this was very important in disseminating images, ideas, and narratives to a wider audience. These prints, often part of a series, served as a visual medium for storytelling, education, and propaganda. The labor-intensive process of engraving meant that each print carried a sense of value and importance, as well as the social, cultural and political views of the time.