The Holy Kinship, in thecentre the Christ Child takes a bird given to him by the infant John the Baptist 1520 - 1600

Giulio Bonasone made this engraving, "The Holy Kinship," in the 16th century. The image is achieved through the skilled use of metal engraving, a process that requires significant time and expertise. The fine lines you see were created by carefully incising a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Notice the remarkable detail and tonal range Bonasone achieved. This was not a quick or easy process; it demanded precision and control. The engraving process, in its essence, is about controlled labor. Each line represents a deliberate act, a commitment of time and skill. In a world increasingly shaped by mass production, appreciating the labor-intensive nature of such a work reminds us of the value inherent in skilled handcraft. It bridges the gap between the world of fine art and the broader world of making.