Bybelsche figuuren, des Ouden Testaments 1715 - 1813

This print, titled "Bybelsche figuuren, des Ouden Testaments," was made in Amsterdam by the workshop of the widow Cornelis Stichter. It's a detailed engraving, which involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. The material qualities of the print—its crisp lines and the contrast between light and shadow—are a direct result of this labor-intensive process. Each line had to be carefully incised, a task demanding precision and skill. The act of printing allowed for the efficient reproduction of images and stories. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping cultural values. The production and distribution of such prints were closely tied to the growth of publishing industries. By looking closely at the materials and processes behind this print, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skilled labor involved and its broader social and economic context.