Christ Heals a Sick Woman c. 1576 - 1580

Léonard Gaultier made this print, "Christ Heals a Sick Woman," around the turn of the 17th century, using the technique of engraving. This process involves incising an image into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how the network of fine lines defines the forms, creating light and shadow. The density and direction of these lines give the print its texture and depth. The figures are meticulously described, their robes falling in precise folds, and the landscape is rendered with careful detail. Engraving was a highly skilled and laborious process, demanding technical expertise and patience. Gaultier was part of a tradition of printmaking that served to disseminate images widely. In this case, the subject matter speaks to the social and religious context of the time. While it is easy to think of printmaking as reproductive technology, the artistry on display here reminds us that it is also a unique and powerful form of creative expression.