Visioen van Jesaja 1728

This print, titled "Visioen van Jesaja," was made by Gilliam van der Gouwen, probably in the early 18th century. It's an engraving, a process involving meticulous labor. The artist would have used a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines into a copper plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink and creating the image. The crispness and precision of the lines give the image its distinctive character. The process allows for incredible detail, which van der Gouwen uses to depict the heavenly vision with great drama. You can see how the hatching and cross-hatching techniques create areas of light and shadow, giving depth and volume to the figures. Prints like this were a key part of the visual culture of the time. They were relatively affordable, allowing for the widespread distribution of images and ideas. The labor-intensive process of engraving, in effect, democratized access to art. So while the subject matter is religious, the medium itself speaks to broader social shifts and the rise of a more accessible image economy.