Reproductie van een prent van de heilige Antonius door Martin Schongauer before 1872

This is a reproduction of an engraving of Saint Anthony, made by Simonau and Toovey. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a surface, typically a metal plate. To make this image, the artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into the plate, requiring considerable skill and precision. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the carved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred, creating a print. The texture and weight of the lines in the print are determined by the pressure and angle of the burin, giving the image a tactile quality despite its small size. The process speaks to the historical context of printmaking, where skilled artisans and laborers were essential to disseminate images widely. Considering the materials, the making, and the context opens up new avenues for understanding the cultural and social significance of this seemingly modest artwork.