Christus op de koude steen 1488 - 1535

This small print, "Christus op de koude steen," was made by Jan Gossart, likely in the early 16th century, using the engraving technique. Engraving involves cutting lines directly into a metal plate, traditionally copper, with a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you'll see the crisp, precise quality of these lines, defining form and shadow with remarkable detail. The image shows Christ during his Passion, and Gossart powerfully conveys the weight of his suffering. The choice of engraving is significant. It was a painstaking, laborious process, demanding immense skill and patience from the artist. This level of dedication mirrors the endurance of Christ himself. Furthermore, the medium of printmaking allowed for the widespread distribution of images, making art more accessible. By considering both the physical effort involved in its making and the broader context of its dissemination, we gain a richer understanding of Gossart's work, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and social communication.