Thomas van Aquino inspireert zich op de geschriften van andere theologen 1652

This print, made by Petrus Clouwet, shows Saint Thomas Aquinas drawing inspiration from the writings of other theologians. The medium here is crucial: printmaking. Prints like these were essentially a reproductive technology – like photography today. They took images, often originally paintings, and turned them into a format that could be circulated widely. This had a democratizing effect, spreading ideas far beyond the elite circles who could afford original art. Look closely and you’ll see the complex interplay of lines and hatching that define every figure and form. This reflects the labor-intensive process of engraving, where an image is painstakingly carved into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The level of detail and skill involved speaks volumes about the importance of craftsmanship in 17th-century art. So, next time you see a print, remember it’s not just a picture, it’s a testament to the power of accessible art and skilled handwork.