Vrouw van een Janitsaar 1562

This print, “Vrouw van een Janitsaar,” was made by François Desprez sometime between 1500 and 1600 using the technique of engraving. The artist has used a sharp tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely and you can see how the density and direction of these lines create the image and give it texture. The process itself is labor-intensive and requires great skill, especially in the rendering of fine details like the woman's elaborate costume. Engravings like this one were often produced in multiples, making images more accessible and playing a crucial role in disseminating information, artistic styles, and cultural ideas throughout society. Here, the material qualities of the print—its reproducibility and affordability—allowed for the widespread circulation of images, shaping perceptions of exotic cultures. So, by examining the materials and processes used to create this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its role in shaping cultural exchange and challenging traditional hierarchies of art and craft.