Christus predikt de parabel van de vijf wijze en de vijf dwaze maagden 1590 - 1622

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this print of Christ preaching with ink on paper. This isn’t a painting or sculpture, but a print – a multiple. The image is dominated by a masterful use of line, carefully engraved into a metal plate to create the composition before being printed onto paper. Look closely at the texture. See how the varying density and direction of the lines create a sense of depth, shadow, and form. The process of printmaking itself is significant. It allowed for the mass production and dissemination of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. In this context, it facilitated the spread of religious ideas. The print’s reliance on skillful, technical labor and efficient production reflects the developing commercial landscape of the time. This work invites us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the printmaking process, recognizing its role in shaping both artistic expression and broader cultural narratives.