Marta van Bethanië als overwinnaar 1650

This print, "Martha of Bethany as Victor," was made in the 17th century by Nicolas Auroux using engraving. This is an important clue to its meaning. The network of fine lines that build up the image are the result of a skilled artisan carefully incising a metal plate. This was then inked and printed, resulting in multiple identical images. Note how the marks vary in depth and density to create shading and texture. Auroux was not just an artist, but a skilled technician, part of a sophisticated printmaking industry. This reproductive method allowed for the wide dissemination of religious imagery, reflecting both the demand for such content, and the industriousness required to supply it. Auroux’s print participates in this economy, and challenges our traditional understanding of fine art as a singular precious object. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the labor, craft, and social context embedded within the artwork.