Huwelijk tussen Arbeid en Vlijt 1572

Philips Galle made this engraving, *Huwelijk tussen Arbeid en Vlijt*, or *Marriage between Labor and Diligence*, sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. The basic process involves incising lines onto a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the image. Here, Galle uses this process to explore social and cultural significance. The detailed lines and textures create depth and realism, yet the allegory also brings a conceptual dimension. The act of engraving itself demands labor and diligence. The artist’s skilled hands carve each line, mirroring the virtues celebrated in the image. The choice of printmaking also speaks to the wider context of labor and politics. Prints were relatively accessible, and helped spread ideas widely. In this image, we see labor and diligence as virtues essential for a flourishing society. Galle’s print, made through careful work, participates in this vision, making it available for mass consumption. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context of Galle’s print enriches our appreciation, blurring the lines between art and craft, labor and ingenuity.