Man en vrouw in omhelzing in een grot 1609 - 1692

Cornelis Visscher created this engraving of a man and woman embracing in a cave in the mid-17th century. Engraving is a printmaking process where the artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, in this case most likely copper. The plate is then inked, and the ink held in these lines is transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you can see the network of precise lines that build up the image, creating areas of light and shadow. Consider the level of skill required to execute this technique, and the amount of work involved in the production process. Each line is a physical mark made by the artist, requiring planning, precision and control, which are all skills that would have taken Visscher years to hone. The printmaking process also allowed for the reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. By focusing on the materiality and production of this print, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and labor involved, and it challenges our understanding of the work and the artist.