Element water als kind met vishengel leunend op kruik waar water uitstroomt bij oever in ovaal 1648 - 1664

This print, made around the mid-seventeenth century by Cornelis van Dalen II, presents the element of water as a child with a fishing rod, leaning on a jug pouring water. This intaglio print on paper is a fine example of the engraver's art. Looking closely, we see lines meticulously etched into a copper plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. The medium allows for precise detail, capturing the reflective qualities of water and the soft texture of the child's skin. It’s a labor-intensive process that demands great skill. The engraver’s art was critical to the circulation of ideas in early modern Europe. Prints were relatively inexpensive, and so made knowledge accessible across social classes. In this case, the artist uses the material to convey learned ideas about the natural elements. Ultimately, this print reminds us that all art is deeply rooted in material and process, and that even a seemingly simple image can carry complex cultural meanings.