Een vriendelijk antwoord doet woede bedaren 1555 - 1562

Jan van Stalburch made this engraving, "A gentle answer turns away wrath," using metal plates to produce multiple images on paper. The stark contrast of the black ink on the white paper enhances the drama of the scene. The engraving process involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper. This method allows for the distribution of images, thereby catering to a growing market for art and information. Here, the artist emphasizes the chaos in the room and the characters' emotions through precise lines and shading. The ability to reproduce images like these speaks to the broader social and economic changes happening at the time. Considering the labor and materials involved, from the skilled artistry to the dissemination of images, provides a fuller appreciation of both the technical craft and its impact on society. It challenges us to consider the relationship between craft, commerce, and art.