Bruiloft te Kana 1594

This print, Bruiloft te Kana, was made by M. Preyss. Although undated, the dense lines and careful detail suggest it was produced using an engraving technique. This method involves cutting lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The engraver would have used specialized tools to create the textures, patterns, and the illusion of depth. Each line demanded precision and control. The process reflects a significant investment of labor. It is an image of abundance, but is that abundance shared? Notice the clear division of labor in the image, where servers and musicians work to enable the wedding celebration. This is a testament to the socioeconomic structures that dictate who gets to create and who to consume. Ultimately, considering the material and process of this print invites us to think about the social conditions of its making, and the wider world of work it represents.