De winter 1537 - 1567

This print, De winter, was made in 1597 by an anonymous artist using the intaglio process of engraving. Here, a metal plate, likely copper, was incised with lines to hold ink; then paper was pressed against it with great pressure, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see how the material of the plate lends itself to a graphic, linear style. This process allowed for relatively quick replication, and was therefore perfectly suited to printed ephemera like calendars. Note the imagery here of a winter festival. The labor involved in agriculture and craft would have been especially apparent at this time of year, when work was more scarce, yet essential for survival. The print cleverly encapsulates a whole society’s relationship to its own productivity. Considering the materials, the making, and its social context allows us to fully understand this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.