Schepping van Adam 1643

Johann Sadeler I made this print, *Schepping van Adam,* meaning "Creation of Adam," sometime around 1600, using an engraving technique. It is a fine example of printmaking, where the artist etches lines into a metal plate, applies ink, and then transfers the image onto paper. Here, the materiality of the print—the sharp, precise lines—allows for a detailed depiction of the biblical scene. The process, requiring skill and labor, imbues the artwork with cultural significance, reflecting the time's artistic traditions. The lines create texture, weight, and form, adding depth to the story. Sadeler engaged with the skilled traditions of engraving, using tools to create the intricate details. The method is linked to social issues of labor and production and reminds us of the labor involved in both the printmaking and the depicted creation. Understanding the materials, making process, and historical context lets us grasp the artwork's meaning and blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft.