Kenan met zijn vrouw en kinderen 1530

This print, titled "Kenan met zijn vrouw en kinderen," was made by an anonymous artist using the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, where the design is cut into a metal plate, traditionally copper, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The medium lends itself to precise, linear detail, which we can see in the textures of the clothing and the rendering of the figures. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the cultural context in which this work was created. It was a popular method for reproducing images and disseminating information, playing a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and artistic ideas. The labor-intensive nature of engraving also reflects the value placed on skill and craftsmanship in artistic production, highlighting the connection between art, labor, and the broader economy. Paying attention to materials and making processes reveals the social life embedded within the work, urging us to reconsider boundaries between craft and fine art.