De elevatie van de H. Maria Magdalena met vier engelen 1488 - 1492

This print of the Elevation of Saint Mary Magdalene was made by the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet. It is executed in drypoint, a printmaking technique that involves scratching directly onto a copper plate with a sharp needle. The image has a velvety quality because of the tiny burrs of copper thrown up by the needle. These catch ink during the printing process, creating soft, blurred lines. This distinguishes drypoint from etching, where acid is used to bite the lines. The Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet was a genius of this demanding technique, celebrated for the nuance and tonal variation that he achieved, particularly in his depictions of light and shadow. While drypoint enabled great subtlety, it was also an unforgiving medium. The artist had to be meticulous in planning and execution, as mistakes were difficult to correct. In essence, the image is born through a convergence of vision, skill, and laborious physical effort. This work offers us a chance to appreciate the profound connection between artistic creation and the craft of making.