Pelgrim met een hond 1670 - 1740

This engraving, "Pilgrim with a Dog", was made in the 18th century by Gilliam van der Gouwen. It is a print, made by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Consider how the artist has used line to create a sense of form and depth. The engraver's skill is evident in the varying thickness and density of the lines, creating light and shadow. A print like this would have been relatively inexpensive, and yet required considerable skill and labor. The engraver would have been a skilled artisan, working within a system of production, creating images for a growing market. It’s interesting to think about the social context of this work. Pilgrimages were still a common phenomenon at the time, and this image would have resonated with many people. The dog, of course, symbolizes loyalty and companionship. Yet there’s also something slightly comical about the image, with its elaborate, decorative border. Ultimately, this print reminds us of the importance of considering the materials, the making, and the context in which an artwork was created. It challenges us to question traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.