Lente 1708 - 1727

"Lente", or "Spring", was made by Johann Christoph Steinberger, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. The print’s intricate lines and details are a testament to the labor-intensive processes involved. Look closely, and you can see how Steinberger used these techniques to create a sense of depth and texture, capturing the ornate garden scene and decorative motifs. The formal garden depicted, with its carefully arranged plants, sculptures, and leisurely figures, reflects the values of the upper class in this period. Note the contrast between the natural and the artificial; the scene is framed by stylized embellishments, reflecting human control over the natural world. Prints like these were luxury goods, and exemplify how skilled handwork was harnessed in service of aristocratic display. Understanding its materiality and making allows us to appreciate the print not only as an image, but as a cultural artifact, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.