Martelaarschap van Tomas 1576 - 1646

This engraving, depicting the martyrdom of St. Thomas, was made by Hendrick Goltzius, a Dutch printmaker, around the turn of the 17th century. Look closely and you will notice how Goltzius skillfully uses lines etched into a copperplate to convey a sense of depth and drama. Consider the labor involved in creating such intricate detail with hand tools. The dense cross-hatching and subtle variations in line weight would have taken considerable time and skill, marking a transition in printmaking from a means of reproduction, into one of artistry. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating religious imagery during the Reformation, serving as powerful tools for both propaganda and personal devotion. In the age of burgeoning capitalism, these images would have been traded and sold widely, bringing the story of St. Thomas to the masses. By appreciating the meticulous craftsmanship and the social context of this print, we see how it blurs the line between art, craft, and commerce.