Aarde gepersonifieerd door de godin Cybele 1587

This engraving, made by Johann Sadeler I around 1600, depicts Cybele, the ancient goddess of the Earth. Sadeler was a master printmaker, and his skill is evident in the fine lines that create this image. Look closely, and you’ll see how he used different densities of line to create shading and texture, giving the print depth and realism. The process of engraving, by incising lines into a metal plate, was laborious. It required careful planning and precise execution. This time-intensive craft stands in stark contrast to the subject of the print: Cybele, who represents nature’s bounty and the earth's resources. In the background, we see figures mining, a reminder of the labor required to extract wealth from the earth. The artist is asking us to consider the relationship between human work and the natural world, hinting at both the promise and the potential exploitation inherent in this relationship. Ultimately, this artwork bridges the realms of fine art and skilled craft, inviting us to think about the labor, politics, and consumption involved in its creation.