Title-page: De la Monarchie du Verbe incarné 1638

This is the title page of De la Monarchie du Verbe Incarné, made in 1638 by Abraham Bosse. It's an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed. Look closely, and you’ll see the crisp, precise lines achieved with the burin, the tool used for this process. This wasn't just a reproductive technique; engraving had its own aesthetic, prized for its clarity and detail. The labor involved was considerable: each line carefully cut, requiring immense skill and time. In Bosse’s era, printmaking was crucial for disseminating ideas and images. This particular print, as a title page, served as a visual introduction to the book, signaling its themes of power and divinity. Considering the labor and skill involved in its production, this print challenges our typical distinctions between craft and fine art. It’s a reminder that even seemingly "minor" arts can carry significant cultural weight.