Deugdzame jongeren houden hun kansen bij 1610

Theodoor Galle made this engraving, “Deugdzame jongeren houden hun kansen bij” sometime between 1571 and 1633. The printmaking process is central to understanding its meaning. Galle would have used a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. Ink would then be applied to the plate, filling the etched lines. The surface would be wiped clean, and then the plate pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the image. This process allowed for the reproduction of images on a large scale. The stark contrast between the lines and the blank paper creates the image. Consider how this process relates to the themes of the image: time, youth, and opportunity. The engraving allowed Galle to disseminate his message widely, playing a role in the circulation of ideas during the early modern period. The labor-intensive process reminds us of the effort required to seize opportunities and make the most of our fleeting time.