Koningin van Seba brengt Salomo geschenken 1675

This print, Koningin van Seba brengt Salomo geschenken, was made by Pietro Aquila around the late 17th century. Its medium is engraving, a process involving meticulously incising an image into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The engraver's skill transforms metal into a narrative, depicting the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. The linear precision showcases the engraver's mastery of the burin, the tool used to carve the lines. The technique democratized image production before photography, making art accessible. Here, labor is evident in the fine lines, each a testament to hours of focused work. This print invites us to appreciate the craft behind it, and the intersection of artistry and industry.