Boetvaardige Maria Magdalena 1595 - 1599

Jacob Matham made this engraving of the penitent Mary Magdalene sometime around 1600, using a technique that was already quite old. Matham would have used a sharp tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a copper plate. This painstaking, physically demanding process required immense skill and control, and the resulting image is a testament to Matham's mastery of the medium. Notice the fine lines that create the illusion of light and shadow, giving the image depth and texture. Engraving was a key technology in the early modern period, allowing for the mass production and dissemination of images. While Matham was undoubtedly an artist of great talent, he was also a skilled craftsman working within a system of production and distribution. So, next time you look at an engraving, remember that it’s not just a work of art, but also a product of labor and technology.