Christus in de hof van Getsemane 1725

Jan Wandelaar made this print, Christus in de hof van Getsemane, using engraving techniques. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then transferring the image to paper. The magic of engraving lies in its ability to render fine details and tonal variations through a network of lines. See how Wandelaar uses hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow, giving the scene its dramatic intensity. Prints like these were made in multiples and were relatively affordable. This speaks to a shift in art production, moving away from unique, commissioned artworks towards more accessible, mass-produced images. The print becomes an object of wider consumption, and the labor involved in its production becomes part of a larger economic system. Appreciating Wandelaar’s artistry means understanding the historical context in which it was made and distributed. It shows the social and cultural significance embedded in the printmaking process.