In the 17the century, many people could not read or had limited literacy. Printing books with illustrations made stories and ideas more accessible, since images could communicate meaning without words. Illustrations brought characters and scenes to life, making books more engaging, memorable, and appealing to a wider audience.
Each scene began as a drawing by John Vanderbank. Gerard Vander Gucht then translated it into copper. With a steel burin - think of a tiny, sharp chisel - he “drew” into the plate, literally writing the image in metal. Crossed lines built shadow, fine flicks suggested hair and fabric, and dots softened faces. Because prints reverse on paper, he engraved everything backward.
To print, the plate was inked, the surface carefully wiped, and damp paper laid over it. A rolling press drove the paper into the grooves, pulling out the ink to leave a rich, slightly embossed impression and a crisp plate mark. As you look, notice that faint rectangle and the varied line weights that make armor gleam and cloth feel textured.
Bound into the 1738 volumes, these engravings turned drawings into portable, repeatable works of art.
