Heilige Benedictus als abt met kromstaf en gebroken kelk en raaf met brood 1623 - 1660

Pieter de Bailliu created this engraving of Saint Benedictus, likely in the mid-17th century, using metal plates and etching tools. Engraving involves painstaking labor, cutting lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to transfer an image onto paper. The density of lines creates the illusion of light and shadow. The controlled, deliberate process of engraving reflects the values of precision and detail, mirroring the meticulous practices associated with religious devotion. Notice how the texture of Benedictus's robes, the intricate details of the staff, and even the feathers of the raven are all rendered through careful, repetitive marks. The very act of creating such a detailed image through a demanding process can be seen as an act of devotion, transforming base metal into a work of art. The labor-intensive nature of engraving speaks to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. By considering the materials and processes involved, we gain insight into the cultural values embedded in this image.