Gevangenneming van Christus 1603 - 1671

Robert Picou made this print, "The Arrest of Christ," sometime in the 17th century, rendering the scene in ink on paper through the process of etching. Here, the artist has harnessed a method of production that’s quite different than painting or sculpture. It’s a graphic medium, one that allows the creation of multiple images, each one a product of skilled labor. In this work, the lines are etched into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. This process allowed for the mass production and distribution of images. It’s worth noting that this print captures a key moment in Christian theology, but also reflects the socio-economic dynamics of Picou's time. The fine lines and intricate details speak to the skill of the artist, but also to the broader system of labor and trade that made such prints accessible. Ultimately, this print embodies the intersection of artistic skill and economic production. The artist invites us to consider how it operates not only as a work of art but also as a commodity, distributed and consumed within a complex social and economic landscape.