Maria Magdalena wast de voeten van Christus 1598 - 1618

This print, "Maria Magdalena wast de voeten van Christus," was made by Cornelis Galle I in the early 17th century. Galle was a master of engraving, a printmaking technique that involves incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper onto the plate to transfer the image. The fine lines and intricate details of the composition show the demanding, time-consuming labor of this process. Consider the material reality of this print: the paper itself, likely made from cotton rags, and the ink, carefully mixed to achieve the desired tone and consistency. These materials, sourced through trade networks, speak to a growing economy that supported the production and distribution of images like this one. The act of engraving itself, requiring precision, skill, and patience, elevates the craft. By appreciating the material and the making, we see how the work transcends simple reproduction, becoming a testament to human ingenuity and cultural exchange.