Twee struikrovers 1520 - 1562

"Two Thugs", an engraving, was made in the 16th century by the artist known only as Monogrammist AC. This print was made by incising lines into a copper plate, inking it, and then running it through a press to transfer the image to paper. Notice how the arrangement of lines creates shading and volume, a testament to the engraver's skill. In its time, printmaking was a relatively new technology that democratized images, making them accessible to a wider audience than unique paintings. The choice of subject - two working-class thugs - suggests an interest in everyday life, rather than the grand narratives of the elite. The artist might have aimed to capture a sense of realism, or to make a commentary on the social dynamics of the time. Whether intended as art or social commentary, this engraving invites us to appreciate the skill of the craftsman and the insights it offers into its historical context.