Jason Sows the Dragon's Teeth (Jason les dompte et sous le joug enserre et labourer leur fait de Mars la terre...), from "Jason and the Golden Fleece" 1563

René Boyvin created this print, "Jason Sows the Dragon's Teeth," in the 16th century using engraving. The process involves carving an image into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing it onto paper, resulting in a detailed, replicable image. This technique, born out of the printmaking tradition, allowed for the wider distribution of images and ideas during the Renaissance. Boyvin’s skill in rendering texture, weight, and form is evident in the muscularity of the bulls and the precise details of the decorative border. Notice how the linear quality of the engraving enhances the drama of the scene, underscoring the labor and struggle involved in taming these mythical beasts. The print’s existence is tied to the rise of print culture, indicative of an emerging market for art beyond painting and sculpture. Printmaking democratized art, making it accessible to a broader audience, and challenged the traditional hierarchies separating fine art from craft.