Hearing 1633 - 1643

Abraham Bosse made this print, "Hearing," using engraving, a process of incising lines into a metal plate, likely copper. The act of engraving itself requires immense skill and labor, a testament to the artisanal tradition from which Bosse emerged. Here, the clarity of the lines allows Bosse to capture the scene's textures and light, from the plush fabrics to the polished wood of the musical instruments. The depicted chamber performance is set against a backdrop of warfare, separated by a large window, emphasizing the contrast between the privileged leisure of the elite and the tumultuous world outside. Bosse's choice of engraving as a medium reflects the increasing availability of prints, making art accessible to a broader audience. Through careful observation and skillful rendering, Bosse invites us to consider the social and political contexts that shape our perceptions, questioning the divisions between art, craft, and life.