Fragment titelpagina voor: Girolamo Benzoni, Beschryvinghe van West-Indien, waer in verhaelt wordt, de eerste vindingh van de eylanden, 1661-1666 1661 - 1666

This title page fragment, dating from between 1661 and 1666, is an engraving. The anonymous artist incised lines into a metal plate, likely copper, to create an image that could be reproduced many times over. Consider the labor involved. Each line meticulously carved by hand, demanding skill and precision. The density of the lines creates the tonal variations, giving depth to the portrait of Girolamo Benzoni. The oval frame and lettering also required careful work, showcasing the engraver's expertise. Engraving played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and imagery. Books like Benzoni's "Description of the West Indies" fueled European understanding, and often, misunderstanding of the New World. This wasn't just about art; it was about shaping perceptions, driving commerce, and solidifying colonial power. The print, once part of a larger book, speaks to a world of expanding trade, cultural exchange, and the complex relationship between art, knowledge, and power. It blurs the lines between craft, art, and historical document.