H. Hieronymus in de wildernis 1682

Valentin Lefebvre made this print, H. Hieronymus in de wildernis, sometime between 1642 and 1682, using etching and engraving. This printmaking process involves using a sharp tool to directly incise lines into a metal plate. The image's impact comes from the sheer labor involved in creating its dense network of lines. This is not a quick sketch, but a carefully built-up surface. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure and direction of each stroke, giving a sense of depth and texture. The use of cross-hatching and stippling creates subtle tonal variations that add to the overall richness of the composition. The print would have been made to satisfy demand for devotional images, and disseminated widely. It's a reminder that even seemingly 'high' art like this relies on the skilled work of artisans, and was deeply embedded in the economy of its time. We can appreciate Lefebvre's technical virtuosity, and also the wider social context in which this image was produced and consumed.