Schaatsende uilen 1620 - 1660

Adriaen Matham made this print, 'Schaatsende uilen,' which translates to 'Skating Owls,' using engraving techniques. With a burin, Matham meticulously carved lines into a copper plate. This painstaking process requires immense skill, transferring the artist’s vision into a matrix that can be reproduced. Note the crispness of the lines, defining the owls' feathery bodies and their elaborate costumes. The varying depths of the engraved lines create contrast and shadow, giving the image depth. The material process is crucial here: the relative ease with which prints can be made allowed images to circulate widely in Dutch society. This print participates in a tradition of popular imagery, often with a satirical or moralizing message. While seemingly whimsical, 'Skating Owls' engages with social commentary through its allegorical depiction of these creatures dressed in human clothing. Understanding the printmaking process allows us to appreciate not only Matham’s technical skill, but also the broader social context in which this image was created and consumed.