De luitspeler en de harpspeelster 1475 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving, "The Lute Player and the Harpist," in the late 15th century using a technique that demanded meticulous labor. The process began with a metal plate, likely copper, into which the design was incised with a tool called a burin. The artist would have painstakingly carved lines to create the image, with deeper cuts resulting in darker lines when printed. The plate was then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, it was pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The dense, cross-hatched lines visible on the figures’ garments and in the architectural details demonstrate Meckenem's mastery of the technique. This print wasn't just a picture; it was a product of skilled handwork, reflecting the value placed on craftsmanship during the period. The very act of creating such a detailed print elevated it beyond mere decoration, infusing it with cultural and social significance. The amount of work involved challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.