The Mount of Calvary c. 1480

"The Mount of Calvary," was made in the late 15th century by Master IAM of Zwolle using the medium of engraving. This wasn't just drawing; it was a demanding, physical process. The artist meticulously carved lines into a metal plate with a burin, creating grooves that would hold ink. Think about the force required, the control, and the sheer hours of labor involved in creating this densely populated scene. The crispness of the engraved line lends the image a striking clarity. The choice of printmaking allowed for the dissemination of images, catering to a growing market for devotional art. The production of prints like these was a key aspect of the burgeoning capitalist economy, with artists responding to new demands for art objects, and the work involved in this production had to be painstaking. The image invites reflection not only on its subject, but also on the skilled making involved. It asks us to consider how craft and fine art are not so different after all.