Heilige Hiëronymus van Betlehem als kluizenaar 1590 - 1612

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this print of Saint Jerome in Bethlehem using engraving, a process that intertwines artistry with skilled labor. The stark contrast between light and shadow is achieved by cutting lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to be transferred onto paper. Look closely to see how this material process impacts the image. The very act of engraving requires a deliberate, repetitive action, mirroring the saint's own dedication to a life of prayer and contemplation. The texture of the print, created by the density and direction of the engraved lines, gives a tactile quality to the scene. Engraving, as a means of reproduction, democratized images, making them accessible to a wider audience. The fine lines and intricate details speak to a culture of precision and detail, but also to a world of commerce, where images could be circulated, consumed, and valued. By attending to these details, we come to understand the print not just as an artwork, but as a testament to the rich interplay between materials, making, and culture.