Lot en zijn dochters 1725 - 1794

This print of Lot and His Daughters was made by Johann Martin Preissler in the 18th century using engraving techniques. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean so that ink remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Engraving demanded meticulous skill and labor, and the result is this image with its fine details and tonal gradations. The process encourages a linear, graphic style, which you can see in the crisp outlines of the figures and the landscape. While the print reproduces a painting by Raphael, it's not just a copy. The act of engraving transforms the original, translating the painterly qualities of Raphael's work into the distinct language of printmaking. This speaks to a broader social context: the rise of print culture in the 18th century, and the increasing availability of art to a wider audience. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this engraving, we gain a richer appreciation of its artistic and cultural significance.