Hemelkaart met de noordelijke sterrenbeelden 1660 - 1708

This star chart of the northern constellations was made anonymously, using the technique of engraving. This process involves carefully incising an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The success of an engraving like this relies on the engraver's mastery of line. Notice how the varying thickness and density of the lines create a sense of depth and texture, bringing the celestial figures to life. This would have been an exacting, time-consuming process, requiring highly skilled labor. Such prints were luxury items, meant to convey knowledge and sophistication. They represent a moment in the history of astronomy when scientific understanding was intertwined with mythology and artistic expression. The engraver's craft, in turn, was essential to disseminating this worldview. These prints testify to the indispensable labor involved in the making and sharing of knowledge.