Dimensions: height 493 mm, width 640 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This print, "Mars steekt zijn zwaard in de vlammen voor een tempel," was made in the 17th century by Francois de Poilly, using engraving. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The crisp, precise lines you see are a direct result of this process, which demands immense skill and control. The technique itself was born of the printmaking boom in Europe, as the printing press took hold and the demand for images exploded. Engraving was a highly specialized craft, often associated with workshops and collaborative labor, and it enabled the wide distribution of images, ideas, and propaganda. Understanding the method of production brings us closer to the context in which this artwork was created, and challenges the traditional emphasis on the artist's individual genius, highlighting instead the importance of craft, collaboration, and the wider social impact of visual culture.
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