Crucifixion 1670 - 1690

This print of the Crucifixion was made by Robert van Audenaerde, a Flemish artist active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a copper plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Notice the extraordinary detail that Audenaerde was able to achieve through this laborious process, and the contrast between light and shadow. This tonal variation is created by making many tiny cuts into the metal. The overall effect is pictorial, almost like a photograph. But the means of production are crucial to understanding the image. Engraving was a highly skilled, time-consuming craft that required years of training. The resulting prints were luxury goods, circulated among a relatively small, elite audience. This connects with the wider social context: the cost of materials and labor involved in the production process. The image stands as a testament to the enduring power of skilled handwork. By focusing on the making of this print, we can appreciate the cultural values and artistic traditions that it embodies, challenging any strict divide between art and craft.