Vier sterrenbeelden verbeeld 1651 - 1680

This print of star constellations was made by Gerrit Gerritsz van Fenaem in the late 17th century, using the intaglio process of engraving. The technique involves incising an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Notice the crisp, precise lines describing the figures of Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Pisces, and Pegasus, each meticulously crafted to map the stars. The material reality of ink on paper gives form to an otherwise invisible structure, a celestial map. Engraving, like other forms of printmaking, was essential to the circulation of knowledge during this period. It was a skilled trade, requiring not only artistic talent but also an understanding of metallurgy and mechanics. The labor invested in creating the plate would allow for multiple impressions to be made, disseminating astronomical information, connecting technical skill with scientific advancement. This print reveals the intricate relationship between craft, science, and the wider world of knowledge production.