Christian IV stamtræ 16th century

This family tree was made by Jens Martenssen B, likely during the reign of its subject, Christian IV, and rendered in ink on paper. Its crisp lines and intricate detail would have been achieved through the technique of engraving, a process that demands painstaking labor and highly skilled hands. The family tree itself is a fascinating object; each leaf and branch meticulously drawn, each name carefully inscribed. Look closely at the material of the print. The stark contrast of black ink on the pale paper gives a sense of permanence, of a lineage etched into history. The amount of work involved in producing this object would have been significant, involving not only Martenssen's skill as an engraver, but also the labor of those who prepared the paper and ink. This combination of skilled labor and material production gives the artwork a social significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. By considering the materials, making, and context of this print, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and importance.