Isis verandert Iphis in een man 1675 - 1711

This print, titled "Isis verandert Iphis in een man," was made anonymously, using engraving techniques. The image is defined by line—the crisp, clear lines created by the engraver's tools, working to capture the textures of stone, drapery, and human flesh. This labor-intensive process would have required great skill and precision, working the metal to create an image that speaks of classical architecture, sculpture, and ritual. The print invites us into a world of transformation, depicting a pivotal moment from mythology where identity and gender are fluid. Consider the engraver's hand, meticulously carving away at the metal plate. This laborious process, demanding years of training and technical skill, elevates the print beyond mere reproduction. It becomes an object of value in its own right, demonstrating the alchemical transformation of raw materials into cultural artifacts. By focusing on the making, we can better understand the cultural and social context in which it was made, and challenging traditional hierarchies between art and craft.