Graflegging van Christus 1580

This image, titled "Graflegging van Christus," was made anonymously around 1580, using the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a surface – here, a copper plate – and then filled with ink. The plate is then pressed against paper, transferring the image. This technique demands meticulous skill and planning. The engraver uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into the metal, controlling depth and spacing to create tonal variations and intricate details. The resulting print is a testament to the engraver's hand. Each line carries the weight of intention, contributing to the overall emotional impact of the scene, which depicts the deposition of Christ. The cross-hatching, used to create shadow and volume, speaks to countless hours of focused labor. This was no quick sketch, but a carefully constructed image, intended to convey the gravity of the subject. By attending to these methods and materials, we can better understand the historical and social context in which this print was made, as well as the artistry and skill involved in its creation.