Reproductie van Lapis Polaris Magnes naar Jan van der Straet before 1880

This print, Reproductie van Lapis Polaris Magnes naar Jan van der Straet, was made sometime in the 17th century. It's an engraving, meaning the design was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, using a tool called a burin. Ink was then applied to the plate and wiped off the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. The image was transferred to paper under high pressure, creating a slightly raised effect. The sharp, precise lines and the tonal range achieved through hatching speak to the skill required for this process. Think of the many hours of labor taken to create such a detailed image. The act of reproduction by printmaking was crucial to disseminating knowledge and imagery at the time, making art and information more accessible. The print's existence is intertwined with the rise of capitalism and the increasing availability of goods and ideas. It shows how so-called 'fine art' relied on industrial methods and a network of commerce.