XLV Mocht dat schien 1614

This engraving was made by Roemer Visscher, around the turn of the 17th century, as part of a larger book of emblems. Note the stark contrast of tones, achieved through the precise application of ink to the plate. The emblem depicts a sounding lead, used to measure depth, being lowered into a heart. The act of engraving is itself labor-intensive. It requires a steady hand and deep knowledge of metallurgy to create repeatable images. Each line is carefully incised to hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure. The prints like these were luxury items, reflecting the wealth and knowledge of their owners. They speak to a culture steeped in craft, where the value of objects was directly related to the labor and skill invested in their creation. This emblem underscores how the seemingly simple act of measuring depth is, in fact, a complex interplay of material, process, and meaning.