Child Birth, from The Course of Human Life 1570

Pieter Jalhea Furnius created this print titled "Child Birth, from The Course of Human Life" sometime between 1545 and 1610, rendered on a sheet of paper. It's an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink was then applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the excess was wiped away before the paper was pressed against the surface. The resulting print bears the delicate precision of the engraver's hand. Consider the time and skill required to create such an image. Each line, each shadow, is meticulously rendered, demanding immense control and expertise. Engraving was a reproductive technique, allowing for the wide dissemination of images. This print, depicting the beginning of life's journey, would have been part of a larger cultural conversation about mortality, morality, and the human condition. It reflects the cultural and spiritual values of the time, as well as the economic dynamics of artistic production. Ultimately, understanding the materiality and making of this print provides a richer appreciation for its artistic and social significance.