Vleugel van altaarstuk: geboorte van Christus 1759

This is a wing of an altarpiece, depicting the birth of Christ, created by Paulus Constantijn la Fargue. It is made by engraving lines into a metal plate, likely copper, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely and you’ll see that the image is built up from a dense network of lines. The artist has used their skill to create a range of tones, from deep shadows to delicate highlights. The act of engraving is physically demanding, requiring great precision and control. It’s a craft that demands time and patience, and the level of detail achieved here is really quite remarkable. This level of intricacy speaks to the importance placed on religious imagery during this time. It served not only as decoration, but also as a powerful tool for storytelling and devotion. The very act of making this print can be seen as a devotional act itself, imbuing the finished work with even greater meaning. It goes to show us that the materials, making, and context are crucial to understanding the full impact of this artwork.