Intocht in Jeruzalem 1570 - 1600

This print, "Entry into Jerusalem," was made by Johann Sadeler I around the turn of the 17th century using engraving, a process involving meticulous carving into a metal plate. The stark contrast of dark lines against the white paper lends the scene its dramatic intensity. Look closely, and you'll notice the artist's skilled hand in creating the image's texture: the soft fur of the donkey, the rough bark of the tree, the intricate folds of the clothing. Engraving, like other printmaking techniques, allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible. This print democratized religious narratives, bringing them into homes beyond the wealthy elite. The technique, demanding countless hours of skilled labor, reflects the complex interplay between art, craft, and the burgeoning capitalist economy of the time. It reminds us that even seemingly traditional artworks are deeply embedded in the social and economic realities of their creation.