Bijbelsche geschiedenissen uit het Oude Testament 1871 - 1908

This print, “Biblical Stories from the Old Testament”, was made by W. Cheshire, using an engraving technique. The image is made up of tiny lines etched into a metal plate, which would have been a labor-intensive process. The density and direction of those lines create areas of light and shadow. While the print is visually compelling, the economic realities of its production are just as interesting. Engraving was a skilled trade, demanding years of training, a far cry from the mass production of the industrial revolution. The work is skilled and careful. Prints like this were often made for mass consumption, allowing biblical scenes to be widely disseminated. The economics of printmaking meant that religious teachings could reach a much broader audience than ever before. The image offers a window into both biblical stories and the skilled labor that brought them to life. By recognizing the connection between labor, materials, and cultural context, we gain a deeper understanding of this print and its place in history.