Vrolijk gezelschap aan tafel (Het wereldse leven van Maria Magdalena) c. 1580 - 1620

This engraving was made by Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo around the turn of the 17th century, using a technique that brings us close to the printmaking process. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a surface, here a copper plate. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carefully carve lines into the metal. Ink is then applied to the entire plate, and then wiped away, leaving ink only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the image. Consider the precision and control required for this technique. Each line has a physical presence, a testament to the engraver's skill and labor. The contrast between the delicate lines and the stark white of the paper creates a unique visual texture. These prints were relatively inexpensive, and thus were very popular. By understanding the process behind this print, we can appreciate the artistry and labor involved, moving beyond the image to consider its materiality and social context.