Bernard Nieuwentijt. - Geb. te West-Grafdijk 10 Aug. 1654. Overl. te Purmerende 30 mei 1718 1850 - 1881

This print was made by Dirk Noothoven van Goor, and it depicts scenes from the life of Bernard Nieuwentijt. It is printed on paper, likely using an engraving or etching process to create the image. The material of paper itself is significant; it speaks to the rise of print culture and the democratization of knowledge in the early modern period. The lines are crisp, and the images are clearly reproducible. The marks are all the same depth and tonality suggesting the use of the printing press to create the illustration. This was a product of industry, intended for wide distribution. Consider the labor involved: from the making of the paper, to the preparation of the printing plate, to the operation of the press. All of this represents a complex web of economic activity. Paying attention to these material details allows us to appreciate the full social and cultural context of the print, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.