Personificatie van godvruchtigheid 1710s

This is a print of the Personification of Godliness, made by Arnold Houbraken, likely around the turn of the 18th century. It's rendered with the linear precision of an engraver’s tool, cutting away the negative space, so that the ink left behind defines the image. The composition, like the title, is allegorical. A female figure stands for Godliness. In her left hand, she holds a miniature temple, surmounted by a radiant sun. With her right, she scatters seeds of virtue. These gestures are meant to convey complex moral ideas in symbolic form. Look closely, and you'll notice the incredible detail of the engraving technique. Houbraken carefully controlled the depth and spacing of his lines to create a sense of volume and texture. This print is not just an image; it's a testament to the engraver's skill and labor. Paying attention to materials and making helps us understand prints like this, not just as fine art, but as crafted objects, deeply connected to their time.