Enigmes Joyeuses pour les Bons Esprits, Plate 2 1610 - 1620

This print, made by Jan van Haelbeeck sometime in the early 17th century, gives us a glimpse into the world of riddles and wit through the refined craft of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a surface - in this case, a copper plate - and then filled with ink to make a print. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that the artist carefully etched into the metal using a tool called a burin. The burin is pushed through the metal to create a clean, precise line. This labor-intensive process allowed for incredible detail, as you can see in the fabric folds of the woman’s dress. The choice of engraving speaks to a culture valuing skill and precision, elevating printmaking from mere reproduction to an art form in its own right. It's a testament to the engraver's skill, transforming base metal into a vehicle for wit and visual storytelling, and creating images that could circulate and stimulate intellectual play.