Have you ever wondered what life was *really* like in the Dutch Golden Age? Although photography was invented much later, we have an astonishingly realistic 'time machine': the engraving. At Antiekhuys.nl, we are passionate about this refined art form. In this blog, we delve into the world of copper, ink, and mastery.
What exactly is an engraving?
An engraving is a form of intaglio printing. Unlike a woodcut (where the image lies on top of the block), in an engraving, the image is carved into a metal plate, usually copper.
This craft requires patience and precision. The creation of a copper engraving in the 17th and 18th centuries was a process of extreme concentration. The maker needed:
- The Burin: The artist uses a 'burin,' a steel chisel with a rhomboidal tip, to push grooves into the copper plate. The harder the pressure, the deeper the groove and the darker the line on paper.
- Inking: The plate is smeared with ink, after which the surface is wiped clean. The ink remains only in the deep grooves.
- The Press: A damp sheet of paper is pressed onto the plate under pressure, causing the paper to 'suck' the ink out of the grooves.
This manual process ensured unparalleled sharpness and detail that still impresses today.
The function: The 'Social Media' of yesteryear
Why were so many engravings made? In an age without screens, engravings were the main source of visual information:
- News Provision: Important events, such as naval battles or coronations, were immortalized and disseminated.
- Science and Nature: Explorers mapped distant lands, exotic animals, and unknown plants through engravings.
- Fashion and Architecture: People could see the latest trends in Paris or what the new palaces in Versailles looked like.
- Religion and Morality: Many engravings told biblical stories or contained a deeper moral for the people.
Why antique engravings are so popular now
Collecting engravings from the 17th, 18th, or 19th centuries is more than just decoration; it's bringing a piece of history into your home. You look through a window in time at street life in, for example, 1638.
Copper engraving: The Entry of Maria de Médicis into Amsterdam (1638)
A unique atmosphere in your interior
Engravings have a timeless, intellectual appeal. Whether you have a sleek modern interior or a classic decor, a framed engraving immediately becomes a conversation piece. The fine lines and the often beautiful aged discoloration of the paper give a room character. Compared to oil paintings from the same period, engravings are often surprisingly accessible. You can own an original artwork hundreds of years old without needing a museum budget.
The best thing about an engraving is that you keep looking at it. Only when you're up close do you see the incredible details: the texture of a fabric dress, the individual leaves on a tree, or the expression on the face of a passerby from 1750.
Discover the collection of Antiekhuys.nl
At Antiekhuys.nl, we are constantly expanding our collection of engravings. We select each piece based on quality, historical value, and aesthetics. Whether you are looking for a cityscape, a botanical print, or a depiction of a battle: let yourself be carried away by our 'time machines'.
Curious about our latest acquisitions? View > here < our current collection of antique engravings and prints.