God belooft Abraham een zoon 1555

This print, “God Promises Abraham a Son,” was made by Cornelis Bos around the mid-16th century, using the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a metal plate, in this case copper. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into the surface, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Bos was a prolific printmaker, and this particular piece shows his mastery of the medium. Notice the fine, precise lines that create a sense of depth and texture. The material qualities of the copper plate allowed for detailed work, while the printing process enabled the wide distribution of images, making art more accessible in society. This print exemplifies the intersection of skilled craft and the burgeoning print industry of the Renaissance, impacting the dissemination of ideas and visual culture.