Massacre of the Innocents 1530 - 1560

This print, "Massacre of the Innocents," was made around 1540 by Master ND using the intaglio technique, where the design is incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed. The process begins with the artist using a tool to physically carve lines into the plate. Ink is then applied, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is drawn out, transferring the design. The stark contrast and the fineness of the lines achieved here speak to the skill of the printmaker. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating imagery and ideas, acting almost like a form of mass media. The labor involved in producing the copper plate was intensive, requiring a mastery of metalworking techniques. By understanding its production, we can appreciate this print not only as a work of art, but also as a product of a specific social and economic context.