Anatomische studie van de penis 1685

This 'Anatomische studie van de penis' print was created by Pieter van Gunst, sometime around the late 17th or early 18th century. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink was then applied to the plate, and the excess carefully wiped away, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, paper was pressed onto the plate to transfer the image. Look closely, and you can appreciate the incredible skill required for this process. Each fine line had to be carefully cut into the metal, demanding both precision and patience. The varying depths and thicknesses of the lines create a subtle tonal range, giving the image a sense of depth and volume, and reflecting the artist's mastery of the burin. The print’s purpose was to disseminate knowledge, making anatomical information accessible to a wider audience, which speaks to the scientific curiosity of the period. By appreciating the craft involved in its creation, we recognize the work as a product of skilled labor, and of a specific moment in the history of science and printmaking.