Auteur biedt presenteert boek aan Christus en Maria 1675

This engraving, made by an anonymous artist, shows an author presenting a book to Christ and Mary. This print was made using a set of techniques - engraving, etching, and the application of burin - that requires a collaborative effort from highly skilled artisans. The printmaking process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing a design, and then immersing it in acid. This creates lines, which are then filled with ink and printed onto paper. Each stage demands precision, and this division of labor reflects the commercial realities of art production. Printmaking made art more accessible, allowing for wider distribution and consumption. This reflects the changing economy of the art world. No longer solely reliant on aristocratic patronage, artists navigated new markets and production systems, blurring the lines between craft, commerce, and fine art.