Aanbidding der koningen 1621

Lucas Vorsterman created this print titled "Adoration of the Kings" in the 17th century, using engraving techniques. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the varying depths and thicknesses of the engraved lines create a range of light and shadow, adding depth and texture to the image. Vorsterman was a master of this meticulous process, and his skill is evident in the intricate details of the figures' robes, the rough textures of the stable, and the delicate expressions on their faces. Prints like these were luxury items, and required expertise. They were also, however, reproducible, and so had a wide distribution. They show how the most precious and sacred of subjects—the birth of Christ—was becoming intertwined with the emerging culture of commerce. Paying attention to the material and processes used in its creation allows us to consider the wider social and economic context in which "Adoration of the Kings" was produced and consumed, and challenges us to reconsider the boundaries between fine art and craft.