The Temptation of Christ c. 1576 - 1580

Léonard Gaultier made this print, "The Temptation of Christ," using the process of engraving. A metal plate, likely copper, was painstakingly incised with lines to create this scene. Look closely and you can see how the varying depths and densities of lines create areas of light and shadow. The final print would have demanded careful labor and expertise, and the artist would have employed special tools to achieve the effects of depth and texture across the composition. The material and processes that Gaultier chose are not accidental. The very act of engraving – cutting into a resistant surface – mirrors the themes of struggle, perseverance, and resistance to temptation depicted in the image. Consider, too, that the printing process allows for widespread distribution of this image. It could thus serve as a readily accessible form of moral instruction to a broad audience. Ultimately, "The Temptation of Christ" speaks to the fusion of labor, artistry, and the cultural values of its time.