Portret van Teresa van Avila 1611 - 1613

Pieter de Jode the 1st made this portrait of Teresa of Avila, using engraving techniques. Here, the ink sits just slightly raised on the paper, the result of a skilled artisan carefully incising lines into a metal plate. These engraved lines hold ink, which is then transferred to the paper under great pressure. The fineness of the lines determines the detail and tonality of the image, giving it a delicate, almost ethereal quality. Engraving was a highly valued skill. The production of prints was labor-intensive, and these prints allowed for the wide dissemination of images and ideas during the early modern period. De Jode's mastery of the technique not only showcases his artistic ability, but also highlights the role of printmaking in shaping visual culture and religious devotion during this era. The work involved in creating such an engraving speaks to a complex interplay of artistic skill, technological innovation, and religious patronage.