Susanna en de ouderlingen 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this print, "Susanna and the Elders," using an engraving technique. This process involves using a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Engraving demands precision and control, as the depth and spacing of lines determine the image's tones and textures. Look closely, and you'll notice how Schut skillfully uses cross-hatching to create shadows and volume, bringing the scene to life with a striking contrast. The starkness of the black lines against the white paper adds to the drama of the biblical story. Engraving was a primary method for mass-producing images, making art accessible beyond the elite. Schut’s choice of this medium suggests a desire to engage with a broader audience, spreading moral narratives through reproducible art. The labor-intensive nature of engraving also speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship and the dissemination of knowledge in the 17th century.