Vignet met twee putti, een slang, het alziend oog en de wereldbol

This vignette, featuring two putti, a snake, the all-seeing eye, and the globe, was created by Reinier Vinkeles. The artist probably made this print using an etching technique. Here, the material of the paper itself is key. Look closely, and you'll see the fine lines incised into it. Ink was applied to the plate, then wiped away, leaving ink only in the etched lines. The plate was then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The pressure of the press gives the print its characteristic embossed quality; this is the most crucial aspect of its appearance. Consider the skilled labor involved in the etching process, each line carefully considered. This engraving is not only a representation but also an object imbued with the values of craft and precision. This challenges us to look beyond the image, and consider the intense material labor involved in its creation.