Thomas moeder op zoek naar hem in Napels 1610

This print, "Thomas' Mother Searching for Him in Naples," was made by Cornelis Boel, likely in the early 17th century. It is an engraving, meaning the image was carved into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Look closely and you can see how the linear quality of the print influences its appearance, with tight clusters of lines creating shading and texture. This technique requires immense skill and patience, each line carefully placed to define forms and create depth. Prints like this were often made in multiples, allowing for wider distribution of images and ideas. While Boel’s authorship certainly mattered, the print participates in a much broader social context of image production and consumption. By focusing on its making, we can appreciate the print not just as a work of art, but as a testament to the skilled labor and cultural exchange of its time, challenging our understanding of art and craft.