The Revolutionary Invention of the Printed Image

The printed image was a groundbreaking invention that had a profound impact on the visual arts. Initially, woodcuts and engravings served primarily devotional purposes and were purely utilitarian. However, in the late fifteenth century, artists began to realize the potential of this medium. The ability to rapidly reproduce and distribute their compositions at a relatively low cost opened up new possibilities.

By the year 1550, with the professionalization of print production and the emergence of print publishers, prints became an ideal medium for visual communication. This led to the rise of erudite allegories depicting various aspects of human life and the afterlife, as exemplified by the works of Maarten van Heemskerck. These prints soon became highly sought-after collector's items, valued for their style and technical excellence. This trend continued not only in the graphic oeuvres of Lucas van Leyden and Hendrick Goltzius but also throughout the seventeenth century and beyond.

A Comprehensive Collection of Essays

This book, written by renowned Dutch art historian Ilja Veldman, offers a comprehensive collection of 11 essays. Veldman, with over 30 years of experience in the field of printmaking, has carefully curated these essays to provide a rich exploration of the subject. Many of the essays, previously published in esteemed journals and lesser-known conference proceedings, have been gathered together to offer a cohesive and insightful perspective on Netherlandish printmaking.

The essays in this collection cover a wide range of themes that characterize Netherlandish printmaking. With an emphasis on function, meaning, literary sources, and the broader cultural background, Veldman delves into religious and moralistic prints, philosophical allegories, depictions of daily life, and classical antiquity. Furthermore, the book provides an in-depth examination of the production of prints and the contemporary views on the craft, illuminating the historical context and development of this influential artistic medium.