Kandelabers met grotesken 1480 - 1536

Daniel Hopfer created this metal print of candelabras ornamented with grotesque figures sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. Hopfer was a pioneering figure in the world of etching, which allowed artists to create designs on metal plates using acid, and then use them to produce prints. The stark, graphic quality of etching perfectly suits the design, packed with fantastic creatures and intricate details. It gives a sense of depth and texture to the metal, making the figures almost seem to come alive. Prints like these reflect a growing interest in ornament and design during the Renaissance. Etchings could be reproduced relatively quickly and inexpensively, and became an essential tool for disseminating design ideas across Europe. They were used as inspiration for everything from furniture to ceramics. So, next time you see a beautifully decorated object, remember the role that prints like this played in shaping our visual world, and the skill involved in both their design and manufacture.