Two women of the zodiac standing beneath the signs of Libra and Scorpio 1512 - 1525

This print, made by Marcantonio Raimondi sometime in the early 16th century, is pure graphic ingenuity. The image is formed by countless tiny etched lines, each one dug into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. Look closely, and you’ll notice how Raimondi uses these lines to build up the figures from shadow to light. The drapery folds, the curls of hair, the texture of the tree leaves – all created through the sheer labor of the artist's hand. This was no quick sketch but a carefully constructed image, demonstrating the engraver's mastery of his medium. The printmaking process itself is significant. It allowed images like this to be reproduced and disseminated widely, playing a crucial role in spreading artistic ideas across Europe. The labor-intensive process also speaks to a pre-industrial moment, where skilled handwork was highly valued. Today, we might overlook the craft involved, but Raimondi's print reminds us of the power and value of meticulous creation.