The blind leading the blind 1586 - 1589

This print, "The Blind Leading the Blind" was made around the mid-16th century by the artist Pieter van der Heyden. It is made using a technique called engraving: a painstaking process of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The stark black and white of the print emphasizes the dark humor of the scene: three figures are shown stumbling, one falling, as they traverse a watery landscape. The lines are closely packed, creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease. Look at how the lines vary to create tonality and texture, from the smooth surfaces of the figures' clothing to the rough landscape surrounding them. Engraving was a highly skilled practice, demanding patience and precision. The process allowed for the wide distribution of images, making it a powerful tool for social commentary. In this case, the print likely served as a moralizing message about the dangers of ignorance and incompetence. The act of making – the labor involved in creating the image – mirrors the labor of the figures in the image. It reminds us that all making involves the application of knowledge, and can lead to success or failure.