Toneel met de Antwerpse stedenmaagd omringd door deugden, 1582 1582

This print, made in 1582 by an anonymous artist, depicts a stage with the Antwerp city maiden surrounded by virtues. As an engraving, the image is created through a labor-intensive subtractive process: the artist would have used a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, likely copper, which would then be inked and printed. The resulting image bears the mark of this process in its intricate linework. The density of lines creates shading and texture, giving depth to the scene. But beyond its aesthetic qualities, the print also carries social significance. In the 16th century, printmaking was a crucial means of disseminating information and propaganda. This particular print, with its allegorical figures and Latin inscriptions, speaks to the cultural and political values of Antwerp at the time. Consider the amount of skilled work involved in producing this image, from the initial design to the precise execution of the engraving, to the work of the printing press. By examining its materiality and making, we can better understand the social and cultural context in which it was created, and challenge distinctions between art, craft, and communication.