The Fall of Babylon 1546 - 1556

Jean Duvet made this engraving, *The Fall of Babylon*, sometime in the 16th century. The medium is simple: ink on paper. Yet, the effect is incredibly complex. Duvet was a goldsmith by training, and it shows. The density of his composition is remarkable, teeming with figures, architectural details, and swirling drapery. Look closely, and you’ll see how he uses the graphic language of metalwork – hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling – to create a sense of depth and texture. This wasn't just drawing; it was a kind of sculptural modeling done in miniature. Prints like this one were relatively cheap to produce, and thus accessible to a wide audience. They served as a powerful means of disseminating ideas during the Reformation. In this context, *The Fall of Babylon* becomes more than just a religious image. It's also a statement about power, corruption, and the potential for radical change. In the end, the value of this image lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in the labor and the social context that shaped its creation.