Saul probeert David te doden 1766

This print, depicting Saul attempting to kill David, was made by Simon Fokke sometime in the 18th century. Its material is paper, transformed by the incisive technique of engraving. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the burin, the engraver’s tool, which has been used to create myriad tiny cuts into a copper plate. Ink was then pressed into these lines, and the image transferred to paper. This was a painstaking process, demanding immense control and precision. Engraving like this was a crucial technology in early modern Europe, allowing for the mass production of images, and the relatively inexpensive distribution of information and ideas. While we might think of printmaking as a humble medium, it played a vital role in shaping public opinion and disseminating knowledge. So, next time you see an engraving, remember that it is more than just a picture – it’s a testament to human ingenuity, and the power of making.