Instructie van zeevaarders 1652

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger made this print, "Instructie van zeevaarders," employing the technique of engraving. This was an age when printed images, like this one, were the internet of their day, disseminating information far and wide. Look closely and you will see the characteristic precision of line that is achieved through the careful carving of an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The very act of engraving, with its demand for meticulous skill and attention to detail, speaks to the value placed on knowledge and expertise during this period of exploration and trade. The print depicts a group of navigators learning their craft; surrounded by tools of the trade - maps, compasses, and globes. The labor-intensive process mirrors the effort required to master the science of navigation, an essential skill for the Dutch Republic's maritime power and global commerce. By understanding the material and the making, we recognize the print not only as a work of art, but also as a product of its time. The print acts as a testament to the era's values, and the importance of skill and knowledge in the pursuit of trade.