Thomas aan het hof van koning Lodewijk van Frankrijk 1610

Cornelis Galle I created this print, "Thomas at the court of King Louis of France," around the turn of the 17th century, using the intaglio process of engraving. The fine, precise lines characteristic of engraving define the forms within the composition, from the ornate textiles to the figures themselves. Consider the labor involved; each line meticulously carved into a metal plate, building up tone and texture. This wasn't just about artistic vision, but skillful technique and time. Prints like these had a clear social function. They served as a means of disseminating stories, in this case perhaps one intended to reinforce the status of the French monarchy. But it also speaks to the engraver's position, translating power into a commodity, available for circulation and consumption. Ultimately, this print demonstrates how materials and making are deeply intertwined with the social and political contexts of their time. It challenges us to look beyond the image itself, towards the processes that brought it into being.