Triomf van de kuisheid 1563 - 1567

This print, ‘Triumph of Chastity,’ was made by Philips Galle in the late 16th century. It’s made using the intaglio process, which is to say that the image is incised into a metal plate, probably copper, and then printed. Think about the amount of work involved here. The engraver would have used specialized tools to slowly and meticulously cut lines into the plate. These lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, the image appears. It’s a demanding process that requires immense skill and patience. The result is an image with a distinctive graphic quality. Notice the crispness of the lines, the way they create shading and texture. Intaglio prints like this one were often used to reproduce paintings or drawings, making them accessible to a wider audience. The triumph depicted here has, itself, been achieved through labor. By understanding the means of its production, we can appreciate how this print bridges the worlds of craft, design, and fine art.