The Blinding of Elymas 1511 - 1521

Agostino Veneziano made this print, "The Blinding of Elymas," in 1516, incising lines onto a copper plate to create this image. The technique of engraving, which involves pushing a tool called a burin through the metal, allowed for finely detailed work. Consider the precision needed to translate the original design into a network of lines, each carefully placed to define form and shadow. Think of it like a choreographed dance between the engraver and the metal, demanding patience and skill. Prints like this one were relatively inexpensive, and helped spread artistic ideas. While the elite class might own paintings or sculptures, a wider audience could possess a print. The act of reproduction democratized art, impacting social tastes and cultural values by circulating religious narratives to the masses. So, next time you look at a print, remember the labor and skill that went into its making. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, and the power of art to reach beyond social boundaries.