Ontmoeting van David en Abigaïl, en Saul bij de heks van Endor

This print, made by Jacob Folkema in the 18th century, portrays two biblical scenes through the graphic medium of engraving. The nature of engraving lends itself to the clear depiction of narrative. By cutting lines into a metal plate, Folkema was able to create an image that could be reproduced many times over. This was not a unique artwork, but one that would have been relatively accessible, circulating widely. The material used for the plate, most likely copper, is itself a material of industry. Consider the skilled labor involved: each line carefully incised, each figure meticulously rendered. The print embodies the growing commercialization of art in the 18th century. The engraver was both an artist and an artisan, navigating the worlds of creative expression and market demand. It invites us to consider the social context in which art is made and consumed.