Woede (Ira) 1619 - 1675

This engraving, *Woede (Ira)*, was made by Lucas Vorsterman I in the 17th century. It uses the traditional printmaking processes of etching and engraving on paper, techniques requiring precise skill and time. Vorsterman's image is made entirely of lines, which create the textures and tones that define the figure. The lines define the figure's clothing, skin, and the objects he holds, as well as the textures of the wooden furniture. See the way the fine lines create the shadows, giving the image a sense of depth? The very act of engraving, with its meticulous labor, mirrors the intensity of the emotion being depicted, yet this process of duplication also allowed for the mass dissemination of images. Printmaking during this time allowed artists to reach a broader audience, democratizing art in a way that challenged the traditional hierarchies. So, when we look at this print, we're not just seeing an image, we're witnessing the intersection of skill, labor, and the changing landscape of artistic production.