David en Abjatar raadplegen God 1681 - 1746

This print, "David en Abjatar raadplegen God" (David and Abiathar Consult God), was created by François van Bleyswijck sometime around the early 18th century, using the technique of etching. The relatively simple process involved coating a metal plate with wax, drawing an image through it, and then submerging it in acid, which bites away at the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed. The final product bears testament to the time and skill required to create detailed tonal variation via hatching and cross-hatching. The composition showcases Bleyswijck's ability to evoke depth and atmosphere through the deliberate arrangement of lines and tonal contrasts. Beyond the formal qualities of the artwork, the print also speaks to the social and cultural context in which it was produced. The skilled labor required for such a print, was part of a robust printmaking industry in the Netherlands at the time. These prints were relatively accessible and could be widely circulated, demonstrating the era's growing culture of information sharing and visual literacy. By attending to the materiality and the making of this print, we gain a richer understanding of its artistic and cultural significance.