Johannes de apostel en evangelist 1615

This engraving of John the Evangelist was made in 1615 by Dietrich Krüger. The lines were incised into a copper plate, which then had ink applied, and was printed onto paper. The varying line weights, from thin hatching to dense cross-hatching, show the control Krüger had over his tools and the printing press. The texture and detail achieved in the printmaking process, from the intricate border to the play of light on John’s robe, is remarkable. Note the contrast of dark and light in the face, used to model its features. The eagle behind the figure represents John’s Gospel, symbolizing keen vision. The printmaking process was highly skilled, requiring years of training as well as physical labor. At the time this was made, the demand for prints was growing due to the expansion of the printing press, offering more and more opportunities for artists and workshops. Understanding the materiality and making of this print gives us insight not only into Krüger’s artistry, but also the broader economic and social context of his time.