Aanbidding der koningen 1590 - 1622

This is an engraving of the Adoration of the Magi, made by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert. It's a print, so think about how that affects the image. Prints like this were made through the careful labor of carving lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper. This process enabled the mass production of images, so that more people than ever could own and contemplate devotional scenes. Notice how Bolswert used the precise, repeatable lines of the engraving process to create a rich tonal range and depict a dramatic scene full of figures and details. From the star guiding the Magi to the textures of their robes and the expressions on their faces, the artist used the engraving process to convey a story with remarkable clarity. The very nature of printmaking meant that religious imagery was no longer confined to the wealthy elite, but rather, it was made accessible to a much wider audience. The making and consumption of prints like this one played a significant role in shaping religious and cultural beliefs in the early modern world.