Winter 1580

Johann Sadeler I made this engraving, "Winter," sometime in the late 16th century. It’s a relatively small work on paper, made using a painstaking subtractive process. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a copper plate, which was then inked and printed. Look closely and you can almost see the artist’s hand at work. The image shows people enjoying winter activities. The wintry scene includes figures ice-skating, preparing food, and huddled around a fire. The incised lines that define the image create a sharp, clear impression. The labor-intensive process of engraving allowed for the distribution of images to a wider audience, at a time when the printing press was still a relatively new invention. In a real sense, Sadeler was participating in a new mode of production. Considering the material and process by which it was made helps us understand the broader cultural significance of this image, beyond its literal depiction. It prompts us to appreciate the skilled labor involved in its creation, and its connection to the rise of print culture.