Vignet met het familiewapen van familie de Bosch 1771

This print depicting the family crest of the de Bosch family was made by Reinier Vinkeles in 1774. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique where the artist uses a tool to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely and you’ll see how the density and direction of the lines create areas of light and shadow, and how Vinkeles has used this technique to give texture to the stone and foliage. Notice the delicacy of the engraving, and how the density of lines defines the forms of the shield, flowers, and trees. Engraving like this was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master the precise control needed to create such fine details. In the 18th century, such prints were not just art, but also a form of social currency, signifying status and taste. The act of commissioning such a print, and the labor involved in its creation, reflect the social hierarchies of the time. The value lies not just in the image itself, but in understanding the materials, techniques, and social context that gave rise to its creation.