Tobit met blindheid geslagen 1570 - 1580

This print, ‘Tobit met blindheid geslagen’ was made by an anonymous artist, using the technique of engraving. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. It’s a painstaking process, demanding careful control to achieve the desired detail and shading. The stark contrast between light and shadow, typical of engravings, is particularly evident here, lending a dramatic quality to the scene. Consider the immense amount of work necessary to create this artwork. The act of engraving mirrors the labor in the image – the toil of daily life. There is a direct connection between the material, the process, and the narrative being depicted. This connection prompts us to think about the social context in which such images were produced and consumed, challenging the traditional art history that often overlooks the value of craft and labor.