Pittacus Mitylanaeus 1616

This print of Pittacus Mitylenaeus was made by Jacques de Gheyn III, using an engraving process. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines into a copper plate. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, they create the image we see. This printmaking technique demands meticulous skill and a deep understanding of materials. Notice how the density of the engraved lines creates areas of shadow and depth, giving a sense of volume to Pittacus’s drapery, and texture to the objects surrounding him. The sharp lines capture the subject’s likeness, and the overall effect is one of precision and detail. Printmaking like this played a vital role in disseminating knowledge and imagery during the early modern period, acting as a form of mass production before photography. The labor-intensive nature of engraving reflects a different kind of value, one embedded in skilled handwork. By considering these material and social aspects, we can appreciate how prints like this one bridge the gap between art, craft, and the wider world of labor.