Drinkende monniken 1655 - 1700

This image, “Drinkende Monniken” or “Drinking Monks,” by Jan van Somer is a print, likely made using a copper engraving technique. This process involves incising a design into a copper plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. The intricate lines and shading visible here demonstrate the skill required. The varying depths and densities of the engraved lines create a sense of volume and texture, capturing the monks’ jovial expressions and the weight of their drinking vessels. Printmaking like this allowed images to be reproduced and distributed widely, playing a crucial role in disseminating cultural and political ideas. The choice of copper and paper reflects the rise of mercantile culture. Copper was a valuable commodity, mined and traded, while paper production relied on industrial processes involving labor and resources. Van Somer’s print sits at the intersection of artistic expression, skilled craftsmanship, and the growing economic systems of his time. So, by examining the materials and processes, we gain insight into the broader social context in which this artwork was created.