Roem (Fama) 1576 - 1612

Jan Collaert II made this print of Roem, or Fama, an allegory of fame, sometime before his death in 1628, using an engraving technique. The image's appearance is profoundly influenced by this method. Note the density of fine lines, defining form and shadow. The engraver used a tool called a burin to physically cut into a copper plate. Ink was then pressed into these lines and transferred to paper. The result is a mirror image of the original design. This process demanded meticulous planning and skillful execution, a true collaboration between artist and artisan. The image of Fame, with her many ears, eyes and mouths, suggests the clamorous, insistent nature of rumor. The landscape below seems to shrink under her gaze. Collaert’s print reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the products of skilled labor and complex social forces. The work challenges us to look beyond the surface, and to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in its creation.