Profeet Mozes 1606 - 1609

Raffaello Schiaminossi made this print of the Prophet Moses sometime between 1587 and 1622 using an engraving technique. This painstaking process involves cutting lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed, resulting in the fine, precise lines you see here. The material qualities of the metal plate—its hardness and capacity to hold detail—dictate the aesthetic of the print. Notice how Schiaminossi uses the density and direction of lines to create shading and texture, giving depth to Moses's robes and the landscape. Engraving demanded immense skill and patience, a testament to the artisan's dedication. The labor-intensive nature of printmaking also meant these images could be widely distributed, democratizing art and ideas. By understanding the making of this print, we appreciate how craft, skill, and wider distribution intertwine to create meaning, blurring the lines between art and craft.