Venus met de wapens van Mars 1757

This print, Venus met de wapens van Mars, was made by Pieter Tanjé, an 18th-century Dutch engraver, using the intaglio technique. Intaglio is all about incision. The artist uses a sharp tool, or acid, to cut lines into a metal plate, in this case, copper. Ink is then forced into these lines, and the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see the crisp, delicate lines that define the figures and objects. The varying depths and densities create a range of tones, from light to shadow, giving the print its depth and detail. Printmaking like this was a highly skilled craft, demanding precision and control. Tanjé would have trained for years to master the techniques of engraving, acid etching and printing. In his time, prints played a vital role in disseminating images and ideas widely, acting as a kind of early mass media. By understanding the process, we can appreciate the level of artistry and labor involved in creating this seemingly simple image.