Esther voor Ahasverus 1610 - 1676

This print, *Esther voor Ahasverus*, was made by Marx Anton Hannas in the 17th century. It is an engraving, a process where lines are cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The image shows a dramatic scene: a man kneeling on a shore, monstrous sea creatures, and a ship tossed on the waves. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through the careful carving of lines, enhances the drama. Engraving, unlike drawing, is a process of removal; the artist painstakingly takes away material to create the image. Consider the labor involved in such a print – the skilled hand of the engraver, the time spent meticulously cutting each line. This contrasts with the mass-produced nature of prints, making them accessible to a wider audience. The print exists between the realms of craft and industry, art and commodity, and demands we look closely to appreciate the skill of its making.