Christus in het voorgeborchte 1585 - 1586

This print, "Christus in het voorgeborchte," was made by Jan Collaert II around the late 16th or early 17th century, using engraving. This painstaking method involves incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then transferring the image to paper under pressure. Look closely at the density of lines that make up the scene. Collaert has meticulously rendered the scene, paying attention to the texture of the figures and the infernal atmosphere. This print wasn't just a picture; it was a product of skilled labor, reflecting the engraver's expertise and time invested in the piece. Prints like these served to circulate religious narratives and moral lessons widely. The printing press allowed for mass production, making art more accessible to a broader audience. As a result, such imagery had a powerful influence on the social and cultural lives of people across Europe. Collaert's print bridges fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill involved in its making and its social significance.