Rank- en bladmotieven met dieren before 1675

This print, made by Hans Janssen in the early 17th century, uses engraving to depict a lively scene of animals amidst foliage. The technique of engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image to paper. Here, the precision of the engraved lines allows for intricate details in the depiction of flora and fauna. Look closely, and you’ll see the artist’s careful rendering of textures, from the delicate feathers of the birds to the smooth surfaces of the leaves. In its time, this kind of print was not considered ‘high art’ - it was a commercial product, made to be used by other artisans as inspiration for their own work, like furniture makers and textile designers. The production of prints like this depended on a network of skilled labor, from the artist who created the design to the printers who produced the final product. Considering the original context of the work reminds us that the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce are often blurred, and that the value of an object lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the labor and social relations that went into its making.