Title Page for Holy Oyle for the Lampes of the Sanctuarie, John Clarke
1630
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1630
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print is packed with small scenes and text. At the top, a man sits on a throne pouring oil while people crowd around. To the sides, there are pictures of four men—each in a circle—holding scrolls or books. The bottom has a warning in a box about speaking only with the Holy Ghost’s help. Candles and stars decorate the edges, and every section has Bible verses. The title says this is about "Holy Oyle for the Lampes of the Sanctuarie," meaning it’s a guide for church lighting rituals. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create depth in the small images. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints with metal plates.
