Jupiter at left in the form of a shepherd accompanied by Mnemosyne, set within an elaborate cartouche, from "Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno" 1531 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone made this print, “Jupiter at left in the form of a shepherd accompanied by Mnemosyne,” in the 16th century using the intaglio process. To create this work, Bonasone would have used a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. Ink would then be forced into these lines, and the plate pressed against a sheet of paper. The resulting image is characterized by fine, precise lines and a slightly raised texture. Intaglio prints like this one were luxury goods. They were collected by wealthy patrons who appreciated the skill and artistry involved in their creation. The image itself, depicting a scene from classical mythology, would have appealed to the educated elite of the Renaissance. Consider the amount of time and labor required to produce such a detailed image by hand. Bonasone would have needed to master the art of engraving, as well as possess a deep understanding of classical literature and mythology. By focusing on the labor and skills involved, we can move beyond traditional notions of art history and appreciate the artistry and craft.