Bezoeken van de gevangenen before 1571

Pieter Nagel created this print, ‘Bezoeken van de gevangenen,’ using engraving techniques. Engraving is an intaglio process involving carving lines into a metal plate, often copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The crisp, precise lines and tonal variations achieved through hatching and cross-hatching showcase Nagel's mastery of this meticulous process. The choice of engraving as a medium has social implications, particularly in its capacity for mass production. Prints could be disseminated widely, making images accessible to a broader audience and facilitating the circulation of ideas, narratives, and social commentary. In this print, the artist makes visible labor and class through the depiction of prisoners. Understanding the materials, process, and context of printmaking is essential for fully appreciating the artwork's meaning and impact.