Maria met Kind 1626 - 1657

This is Maria met Kind, made by Sebastien Bourdon sometime before 1671. The image is made using a printmaking technique, likely etching, where the artist would have used a sharp needle to draw into a wax-covered metal plate, which was then submerged in acid. The resulting incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, create the image we see. Look closely, and you will notice the intricate network of lines, from the shading of Mary's robes, to the delicate features of the child. Printmaking, like many crafts, is about the democratization of images. Unlike a painting that is unique, prints can be reproduced multiple times, making art more accessible and allowing ideas to circulate widely. Think about the labor involved in creating this intricate design, and the many impressions that could be made from a single plate. It's a reminder that art is not just about the final image, but also the process and the people who make it possible.