Bolucbassi 1598

This print, Bolucbassi, likely made by Christoph Krieger, is rendered in ink on paper. As a mode of production, printmaking allowed images to be reproduced and widely distributed, catering to a growing demand for visual information. The process of creating this image would have begun with a metal plate, into which the design was meticulously engraved. Ink was then applied to the plate, and the excess wiped away, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Paper was then pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The texture of the paper, its absorbency, and the pressure applied all contribute to the final appearance of the print. This print shows a man, likely a person of importance, based on his opulent clothing. By thinking about the skills involved in creating it, from the engraver's expertise to the printer's careful hand, we can appreciate how printmaking democratized image production, yet also relied on skilled labor, reflecting the complex relationship between art, work, and commerce.