Graftombe van Hugo de Groot in de Nieuwe Kerk te Delft c. 1786

This engraving of Hugo de Groot’s tomb in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft, was made by Pieter Hendrik Jonxis in 1786. Jonxis created this image through the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate, likely copper in this case. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve the lines, creating a design of great precision. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the carved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, resulting in a print with crisp, raised lines. This print showcases the tomb's architectural elements and the delicate drapery, but it also reflects the broader cultural context of the 18th century, when printmaking was crucial for disseminating information and artistic ideas, allowing for the wide circulation of images of important monuments and figures like Hugo de Groot. Through this print, Jonxis preserves the legacy of de Groot's tomb, while also demonstrating the value of skilled craftsmanship in capturing and sharing cultural heritage.