Christi bespottelse 1741

Johanna Fosie made this print, "Christi bespottelse," sometime in the mid-18th century, using an engraving technique. Engraving is essentially a graphic art done with simple tools. The artist carves an image into a metal plate, applies ink to the recessed lines, and then transfers the image to paper. The image appears sharp and precise, with a distinctive linear quality. Looking closely, you can see how Fosie manipulated the depth and density of the lines to create areas of light and shadow. In its time, printmaking was also a means of mass production, allowing images to be widely distributed and consumed, thus offering a window into the religious and social context of the time. The amount of labor and skill involved in creating an engraved plate was considerable. Fosie wasn't just an artist, she was a skilled artisan, pushing the boundaries of what was then considered fine art. This piece invites us to think about the role of women in the art world of the 1700s.