Les divers pourtraicts et figures XI c. 1600

"Les divers pourtraicts et figures XI," was made around the mid-16th century by Master AD through engraving. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking process, where the image is incised into a metal plate, often copper, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the image is transferred. The technique demands considerable skill and precision, requiring the engraver to control the depth and width of the lines to create varying tones and textures. In this print, the figures are rendered with remarkable detail and definition, achieved through carefully placed lines and cross-hatching. The quality of line in engraving lends itself well to reproducing intricate designs. The print is a testament to the engraver's mastery of the medium. This work blurs the boundaries between craft and fine art, asking us to appreciate the technical skill and artistic expression. It’s not just an image, but a record of skilled labor.