Jozef met het Christuskind 1747 - 1757

Isabella Hertsens created this print of Joseph with the Christ Child using engraving, a process where lines are cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you'll notice the careful articulation of form achieved through a network of fine lines. The technique involves the controlled removal of material, requiring specialized tools, physical endurance and considerable skill. The graphic, linear quality of engraving lends itself well to crisp definition and detail, as seen in the rendering of the figures' drapery and features, and the textures of the clouds. Consider too, that printmaking is an inherently reproductive medium. Multiple impressions can be made, making the image accessible to a wider audience. It's a form of artistic labor that participates directly in a burgeoning market of images, fulfilling a demand for devotional objects. By appreciating the materiality and production of this print, we recognize it as more than just a religious image, but as a testament to the skilled labor and economic forces that shaped its creation. It challenges traditional distinctions between artistry and industry.