Monnik probeert jonge man bij vrouwen weg te houden 1737

This print, made by Nicolas de Larmessin III around the late 17th or early 18th century, uses engraving to capture a scene of social tension. Engraving, as a process, is labor-intensive. The artist carefully cuts lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper under great pressure. The fine, precise lines you see here are a testament to Larmessin’s skill and patience. But consider, too, that this kind of printmaking was often a commercial enterprise, involving the division of labor in workshops. The very act of creating such a detailed print speaks to a culture of consumption, where images could be reproduced and disseminated widely. The subject matter, a monk trying to shield a young man from the allure of women, is a clear commentary on social morality. The material and process of engraving, therefore, aren't just about aesthetics, but also about the economic and social context in which the artwork was made. It challenges our notions of 'high art' by revealing its deep entanglement with the everyday world.