Jozefs broers knielen voor hem in Egypte 1645 - 1740

This engraving, "Joseph's Brothers Kneel Before Him in Egypt," was made by Christoffel van Sichem II in the 17th century, likely using a metal plate. Engraving involves cutting lines into a surface to hold ink. The depth and density of these lines dictates the image's visual texture, as we can see from the fine strokes used to create the figures and architectural background. In Sichem's time, printmaking was a crucial technology, allowing images to be reproduced and disseminated widely, but it also demanded skilled labor. Each line is the result of a deliberate act, reflecting a significant amount of time and human effort. The act of kneeling, depicted here, is also a labor, a performative expression of deference or supplication. So, as you look at this print, consider the interplay of material, process, and social context, and how they enrich the work's meaning beyond its narrative content.