Man van het platteland 1562

François Desprez made this print, Man van het platteland, sometime in the 16th century. The image is made by engraving lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the network of fine lines models the figure's form and clothing. The engraver's skill is evident in the way he suggests depth and texture, all with simple hatch marks. This mode of image-making was closely associated with the rise of print culture, and the development of techniques that could circulate images widely. Prints like these weren't just about aesthetics. They were about disseminating information, shaping identities, and creating a shared visual language. In an era before photography, the engraver played a crucial role in shaping how people understood the world around them. The amount of work and skill involved highlight the importance of these artisans in early modern Europe.