Hemelvaart van Christus: 'die opgestegen is ten hemel, zit aan de rechterhand van God, de almachtige Vader' 1579

This print, "Hemelvaart van Christus" or "Ascension of Christ," was made by Johann Sadeler I around the turn of the 17th century. The image was achieved through engraving, a printmaking process that demands immense skill and labor. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, typically copper. The plate is then inked, and the ink is carefully wiped from the surface, remaining only in the carved lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image is transferred, creating a print with incredible detail and precision. The crisp lines and tonal variations you see here are a testament to Sadeler’s mastery. Each line represents a physical act of cutting and shaping the metal, a time-consuming process that highlights the value placed on skilled craftsmanship during this period. The print served not only as an artwork but also as a means of disseminating religious imagery, playing a crucial role in the visual culture of the time. It underscores the link between artistic production, religious messaging, and the broader socio-economic context of early modern Europe.