H. Johannes de Deo c. 1586 - 1633

This print of H. Johannes de Deo was made by Cornelis Galle I, sometime between 1576 and 1650. Galle used the technique of engraving to create this detailed image. The engraving process involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the carved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, creating the print. You can appreciate the precise, linear quality of the engraving in the fine details of the face and the folds of the clothing. The deliberate nature of each stroke underscores the labor involved in creating such a detailed image. Prints like this one played a vital role in disseminating images and ideas, acting as a form of mass production before photography. Galle’s skill in engraving allowed for the reproduction of this image, making it accessible to a wider audience, and spreading the influence of its subject. By understanding the materials and processes behind this artwork, we can appreciate its cultural significance and its contribution to the history of visual communication.