Adam met Eva en kinderen en met de dood als skelet 1530

This print, Adam met Eva en kinderen en met de dood als skelet, was made with the process of engraving. An anonymous artist used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate, which was then inked and printed. The technique results in a delicate web of fine, closely spaced lines. Look closely at the figures, and you’ll notice how the engraver used cross-hatching and variations in line weight to create depth and shadow. The material of the copper plate itself allowed for incredible detail. The level of skill required to execute this print suggests a highly trained professional, working in a specialized workshop. The image itself, with its combination of biblical figures and allegorical elements, speaks to the cultural context of its creation and the labor and craftsmanship involved in its production. These processes are evidence of the blending of art, craft, and social commentary.