Heilige Hyacinthus van Polen 1601 - 1716

This print of Saint Hyacinth of Poland was made by an anonymous artist using the technique of engraving. The network of lines incised into the metal plate create the image, each one carefully considered to give the impression of light, shadow, and form. The crispness of the lines indicates the use of a burin, a tool that requires great skill to control. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the artist varies the weight and spacing of the lines to create a sense of depth and texture. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, often associated with commercial printmaking and the dissemination of information. Prints like this one played an important role in spreading religious imagery and ideas throughout Europe. The labor-intensive process reflects a pre-industrial mode of production, where the value of the artwork was tied to the time and expertise required to create it. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in the creation of artworks like this allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship involved and to understand their historical and cultural significance.