Portret van Valentin Wudrian en voorstellingen over het kruis van Christus 1651

François Stuerhelt created this print, "Portret van Valentin Wudrian en voorstellingen over het kruis van Christus," using etching or engraving, a process that demands skill and patience. The material of the print itself, paper, is humble. But consider the labor involved. First, the original image had to be painstakingly incised into a metal plate. This was likely achieved through a combination of skilled hand-work and the application of acid to bite the lines. Ink is then applied, and the image transferred to paper under great pressure in a printing press. Each impression would take considerable time and expertise. Looking closely, you can see the fine lines that define the textures of Wudrian's face, the folds of his garments, and the harrowing scenes of crucifixion. This is a testament to Stuerhelt's technical mastery. This print, therefore, is not just a religious image; it embodies a complex interplay of material, process, and the social context of its production. It reminds us that even seemingly simple artworks carry a wealth of meaning tied to labor, skill, and the wider world of making.