Tabernakel met kruisbeeld 1737 - 1806

This print of a Tabernacle with Crucifix was created by an anonymous artist using engraving. This process involves cutting a design into a flat surface, usually a metal plate, and then inking the recessed lines to produce a print. The engraver’s skill is evident in the fine lines and intricate details of the tabernacle, from the fluted columns and draped garlands to the delicate crucifix at its center. Engraving was a highly specialized craft, requiring years of training to master the techniques of line-making, shading, and texture. These prints were made in multiples; they served not only as devotional objects, but also as models for artisans who would construct the tabernacles. The image gives insight into the design and material culture of the period. By appreciating the labor and skill involved in its production, we can see how prints like this one blurred the boundaries between fine art, craft, and industrial production.