Abraham offert Izaäk 1572 - 1582

This image depicts the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, and was made by Jonas Silber, using an engraving technique. The image is made from an impression taken from a metal plate, where lines were incised to hold ink, using a tool called a burin. It is the mastery of this burin and its capacity to capture the drama of the scene that really stands out, as you can see through the sharp and precise lines, which define the figures and their landscape setting, giving it its visual and emotional intensity. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to control the burin and create intricate designs. In the 16th century, printed images were a crucial means of circulating ideas and stories. Silber's print would have allowed this biblical scene to be shared with a wide audience, and at a relatively low cost. By understanding the material processes involved, we can appreciate how this artwork circulated through society at the time, and the value placed on the skilled labor required to produce it.