Laatste Oordeel 1524 - 1562

This tiny engraving, "Laatste Oordeel," or "Last Judgement," was made by Cornelis Bos, a Dutch artist active in the mid-16th century. It's made using a technique called engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring a steady hand and deep knowledge of metallurgy, but it also allowed for the mass production of images. This was critical in spreading ideas during the Reformation. Bos himself was accused of heresy, so this image may reflect his own spiritual anxieties. Look closely at the density of lines, the way they create shadow and volume. See how the relatively rigid medium of metal is used to convey the dynamism of the final judgement? These lines weren't just drawn; they were etched with intention, each one contributing to the overall impact of this small but powerful work. The material and the making are inseparable from its meaning.