Rand met bovenaan een fries gedecoreerd met bladranken 1571 - 1639

This print, by an anonymous artist, is made using the intaglio technique. This involves engraving a design into a metal plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. The density of engraved lines determines the tonal range, creating areas of light and shadow that describe the ornate, curving forms. Look closely, and you can almost feel the crispness of the paper and the raised texture of the ink. Engraving like this was a highly skilled craft. It demanded precise control and years of training. Prints like this would have been relatively affordable, circulating design ideas among craftsmen and patrons. Notice how the design seems intended to decorate the edge of a textile or piece of furniture. By focusing on the materials and processes involved, we recognize that this print is more than just a picture. It’s a record of skilled labor, artistic ingenuity, and the social networks that enabled its creation. It challenges distinctions between fine art and craft.