Het huwelijk van Maria met Jozef 1540 - 1580

Giulio Sanuto made this print of the Marriage of the Virgin in the late 16th century. It's an engraving, a process that involves incising lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed onto paper. Engraving demands immense skill and control. Look closely, and you'll see how Sanuto varied the depth and density of the lines to create a full range of tones and textures. The weight of the lines gives the image definition, while the empty spaces provide highlights. It's a delicate balance that requires years of practice to master. Prints like this were not just artistic creations; they were also commodities. Sold in workshops and markets, they brought art to a wider audience. The labor-intensive nature of engraving meant that skilled artisans were essential to the production process. This print reminds us that art has always been intertwined with labor, commerce, and the social context in which it is made. By appreciating the materials, the making, and the context, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork.