De werken van barmhartigheid 1615 - 1651

Hans Janssen created this print, ‘The Works of Mercy,’ sometime in the early 17th century. It's made using engraving, where the artist cuts lines into a metal plate, applies ink, and then presses the plate onto paper. Notice the incredible detail Janssen achieved with this method. The texture of the clothing, the expressions on the faces, and the architectural grandeur all come alive through the careful application of line. Engraving was a laborious process. Each line had to be precisely cut, requiring immense skill and patience. The resulting print could then be reproduced multiple times, making images more accessible to a wider audience. Consider the social context. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating religious and moral messages. ‘The Works of Mercy’ depicts acts of charity, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. By making these images available, Janssen participated in a larger movement of social and religious reform, using the tools of his craft to promote ethical behavior. This print blurs the line between artistry, craft, and social commentary, reminding us of the power of images to shape our understanding of the world.