De hostie wordt aan de zieke toegediend, 2 1639 - 1699

This print, titled 'De hostie wordt aan de zieke toegediend, 2,' was made by an anonymous artist. The image has been realised through a method known as ‘engraving’, where lines are cut into a metal plate. This then holds ink, and is printed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see that this technique has a direct influence on the aesthetic of the print. The cross-hatched lines create tonal variation, and the precision of the cuts gives a distinct graphic quality. As a method, engraving sits firmly at the intersection of craft and industry, demanding both artistic skill and technical expertise. The social context is very interesting. It captures a religious scene in a time of change, with varying lines of text in different languages, reflecting the broader debates of the time. The print’s relatively small size also speaks to its function as a portable, reproducible image. The artwork invites us to consider the blend of artistry, labor, and belief inherent in its making.