Titelblad met allegorische figuren 1637 - 1697

This title page with allegorical figures was made by Jan de Bray in the 17th century using pen and brown ink, with grey wash on paper. As a drawing, the materiality of this artwork lies in its lines and the delicate balance of light and shadow achieved through the application of ink wash. But the drawing is only the final step in the process. Think about the labor and expertise that were invested in the preparation of the paper, and the production of ink. The artist’s mastery is evident in his ability to evoke texture, form, and emotion using such simple materials, and in such a small scale. Moreover, this title page has a clear purpose: to introduce a book. In its own way, it is a product of the printing press, and of the wider social systems of knowledge production and dissemination that were rapidly expanding in 17th century Europe. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that even the simplest of materials can be imbued with profound meaning when wielded by a skilled hand, and viewed in the context of their production.