Bewening van Christus 1625 - 1656

Samuel Bernard made this print, Bewening van Christus, sometime before his death in 1739, using the intaglio process. This painstaking technique involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against the surface to pick up the ink. Look closely, and you'll see the extraordinary control Bernard had over the burin, the tool used to carve those lines. Notice how he varies the density and direction of the marks to create areas of light and shadow, giving the scene its emotional depth. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image, achieved through the skilled hand and eye of the printmaker. The intaglio print was a crucial technology for disseminating images in early modern Europe, effectively mass-producing art for a growing market. By understanding the materials and processes involved in creating this image, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intersection of artistic skill, technological innovation, and religious sentiment in 18th century Europe.