Heilige Lucia van Syracuse after 1626

This print of Saint Lucia was made with engraving, a process that requires painstaking labor. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a copper plate, forcing the metal aside. Ink would then be pressed into these lines, and the image transferred to paper. Notice how the density of the engraved lines defines the image. Where they are close together, we see darkness and shadow, in contrast to the lighter areas. The artist has skillfully used this technique to create a sense of depth and form. But what does the process of engraving tell us about the image itself? Consider the time and skill involved. This wasn't just a quick sketch; it was a carefully considered and executed work. Every line is deliberate. Recognizing the labor behind this image allows us to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance embedded within it, challenging any divide between craft and fine art.