Heilige Stefanus met stenen 1500 - 1575

This print, titled "Heilige Stefanus met stenen", was made by an anonymous artist. It is an etching, a printmaking process with a long and fascinating history. An etcher prepares a metal plate, often copper or zinc, with a waxy ground. They then draw through the ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the plate remains in the acid, the deeper the lines become. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The resulting print has a distinctive, slightly raised texture, and a character all its own. The beauty of etching lies in its directness and versatility. It allows for a wide range of marks, from delicate lines to bold strokes. It is a process rooted in skill and precision, and the final print is a testament to the artist's hand. In this context, the print becomes an object of devotion that speaks to the time and labour involved in devotional practices.