Joshua, plate four from The Nine Worthies c. 1594

Nicolaes de Bruyn made this print of Joshua from The Nine Worthies out of ink on paper. Engraving like this was a highly skilled practice. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that create the image. The density of these lines gives the image depth and tone, a testament to the artist's control over the medium. This printmaking process allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience, and driving the economy in a new direction. De Bruyn's work reflects a society increasingly shaped by commerce and trade. It's easy to see how this detailed print blurs the line between craft and fine art. The skilled labor involved in its production is just as important as its artistic merit. It reminds us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the materials, techniques, and the hands that bring it into being.