Edelsmidsboeket met ranken 1635

This print, "Edelsmidsboeket met ranken," was made by Balthazar Moncornet in the 17th century using engraving techniques. The print depicts an ornate bouquet of flowers and foliage. Moncornet employed a metal plate, cutting lines into its surface with a burin. Ink was then applied, and the plate pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This was a highly skilled process, demanding precision and control, aligning with the traditions of goldsmithing and fine metalwork, hence the title referring to goldsmith's bouquet. Look at the detailed rendering of each petal and leaf, achieved through carefully modulated lines and cross-hatching. The dense composition and intricate detailing emphasize the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. The work represents a combination of naturalism and artifice, reflecting the labor required to produce such a detailed image, inviting us to appreciate the skill involved in its creation, and the social context in which craft and artistry intertwine.