Bokser 1793 - 1838

Angelo Bertini's "Bokser" is an early 19th-century print. Its stark lines are made with a process that involves carving an image into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The image shows a muscular nude male figure in two views. The man's physique is rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting the artist’s technical skill and attention to form. These artistic practices speak to a broader societal and cultural context of the 18th and 19th centuries when there was a widespread fascination with classical art and the male nude. This print demanded considerable labor, from the initial carving to the final printing. The artist's tools and techniques reveal a deep understanding of materials and processes, and the work involved in its production. Ultimately, viewing "Bokser" through the lens of its making allows us to appreciate not only its aesthetic qualities but also the social and cultural values embedded within it. This perspective challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, urging us to recognize the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.