Heilig Avondmaal in de Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk te Amsterdam 1785

Jan Lucas van der Beek made this print, Heilig Avondmaal in de Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk te Amsterdam, using engraving, a process rooted in skilled labor. Here, the process of engraving, with its deliberate, linear cuts into the metal plate, mirrors the methodical rituals depicted. The stark contrast created by the technique emphasizes the light, drawing attention to the act of communion. The precision of the engraved lines captures the texture of clothing and architectural details, while the very act of engraving, requiring patience and manual dexterity, resonates with the values of dedication and craftsmanship. The engraving process itself mirrors the social context, the division of labor involved in its production. The artist's hand, the printer's press, and the consumer's purchase are all linked in a chain that reflects the broader systems of labor, class, and consumption in 18th-century Amsterdam. By considering the materials, the making, and the social context, we gain a richer appreciation of the image.