Judith and Holofernes 1645

This print, Judith and Holofernes, was made in Paris in the 17th century by Abraham Bosse, using the technique of engraving. The seemingly simple process of engraving on metal is actually incredibly labor intensive. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to manually carve lines into a copper plate. The plate is then inked, and the ink is carefully wiped away from the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. This allows the image to be transferred to paper under high pressure. The resulting print is defined by precise, clean lines and subtle gradations of tone, all achieved through the artist's skill and patience. We can almost feel the pressure of Bosse’s hand as he meticulously cut each line, working to depict Judith’s strength and determination. Looking at this print, we can appreciate how the labor-intensive process of engraving has imbued the image with its own kind of power. It reminds us that the creation of art is not just an intellectual act, but a physical one, deeply connected to the world of materials and making.