Christus in de hel 1560 - 1600

Johann Sadeler I made this engraving, Christus in de hel, using the technique of etching into a metal plate. The design is executed through a process of corrosion, with acid eating away at the metal to create the lines that form the image. Look closely, and you’ll see how the material influences the artwork’s appearance. The etched lines have a fineness and precision, allowing for a high level of detail in depicting Christ's descent into hell, with his triumph over demons and the release of souls. Engraving allowed for the wide distribution of images, making art accessible beyond the elite circles of patronage. This print is part of a larger history of craft and fine arts, as it was both a skilled technique and a means of disseminating religious and moral ideas. The production of prints like these was a significant industry, involving workshops, apprentices, and a network of trade, ultimately connecting the making of this artwork to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Understanding its making and the context in which it was produced, enriches our appreciation, and challenges any separation between craft and art.