Christ before Pilate: large plate 1635 - 1800

This large plate, Christ before Pilate, was made anonymously, using etching. The power of this print lies in its intricate lines, a testament to the etcher's skill. The image would have started with a metal plate, likely copper. The plate is coated in a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and using a sharp needle, the artist scratches the design into the wax, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is dipped in acid, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves. Finally, the surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The image's stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through densely packed or widely spaced lines, lends a dramatic weight to the biblical scene. Printmaking allowed for the wide distribution of images, making art accessible to a broader audience and allowing the story of Christ’s trial to reach the masses. It challenges the notion of art as a unique, precious object and underscores the immense labor involved in its creation.