Af-beeldinge van verscheyde / Schimp ende spreekwoorden 1767 - 1793

This print, held in the Rijksmuseum, was made by Erven Hendrik van der Putte, and it presents an array of proverbs and sayings. The key to understanding this work lies in the process of printmaking. Notice how the fine lines and details were achieved. This was likely done through etching or engraving, where the artist would have meticulously carved lines into a metal plate. Ink would then be applied, and the image transferred onto paper. The addition of color, seemingly by hand, enlivens the composition. Printmaking was crucial to the circulation of ideas and visual culture, particularly in early modern Europe. The very act of reproduction allowed these proverbs to reach a broader audience, embedding them in the social fabric. The labor-intensive nature of printmaking, from the artist's hand to the printing press, reflects a society deeply engaged with craftsmanship and the dissemination of knowledge. Ultimately, this print encapsulates the fusion of art, craft, and social context, blurring the lines between popular culture and artistic expression.