The Flight into Egypt 1620 - 1640

Ignatius Cornelis Marinus made this print, "The Flight into Egypt," in the 17th century, using etching and engraving. The image is made by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, then applying ink and pressing paper against it. The real subject here is labor. Look at the contrast between the delicate, almost ethereal figures of the angels, and the more grounded, sinuous forms of the holy family. We see the engraver’s mastery in the varying line weights, creating depth and shadow, and thus a social hierarchy. The production of prints like these depended on workshops, and it reflects a world of skilled artisans making images for a growing market. It wasn't just about art; it was about business, craftsmanship, and the social fabric of the time. The print’s texture, tone, and composition remind us that art is not just about the final image, but the skill, process, and cultural context that shaped it.