Vlakdecoratie met grotesken 1607

This print, Vlakdecoratie met grotesken, was made by Lucas Kilian, around the early 17th century. He used the technique of engraving: cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The material of the print is, of course, just paper, but the image suggests a whole world of making. Look closely, and you’ll see that Kilian has filled the frame with figures that seem to be constructed from scrolls, masks, and fantastical creatures. It’s a riot of invention. This kind of print was likely intended for other craftspeople, as a source of inspiration for their own work. It’s a reminder that even in the early modern period, there was a thriving culture of shared ideas and techniques. Kilian was participating in a network, a collective endeavor, and by extension, so are we. By considering this print as a document of making, we expand our understanding of art history. It’s not just about individual genius, but also about the relationships between people, materials, and processes.