Maria met twee engelen c. 1849 - 1850

This is ‘Maria met twee engelen’ by Abraham Lion Zeelander, made in the 19th century. It's an etching – meaning the design was first scratched into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the crisp, delicate lines characteristic of this technique. Zeelander, who came from a Jewish background, was known for this graphic work. He created a number of biblical scenes, which reflect his interest in the Christian faith. The deliberate, skilled process that Zeelander has engaged with has imbued the work with cultural significance. In rendering this holy scene through the medium of etching, Zeelander elevates the status of printmaking to a form of devotional practice. It is a reminder that profound meaning can be embedded in the materials and methods we choose.