Odysseus herkent Achilles before 1737

This print, "Odysseus herkent Achilles," was created by Pieter van den Berge, a Dutch artist, sometime around the late 17th or early 18th century. Van den Berge worked primarily as an engraver, a printmaking technique with a long history. To create this print, he would have used a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate, which then held ink and produced multiple impressions of the image. Look closely, and you can see the intricate network of lines that define every figure and detail. Engraving was a highly skilled trade, often associated with commercial printing and the reproduction of existing artworks. Van den Berge's choice of this medium reflects a conscious decision to engage with the broader world of visual culture and dissemination. The labor-intensive process of engraving also highlights the dedication and craftsmanship involved in creating these images, challenging traditional notions of artistic genius. This print reminds us that art is not just about individual expression but also about collaboration, skill, and the social context in which it is made.