Vrouw met masker en fantasie hoofdbedekking c. 1535 - 1598

This print, Vrouw met masker en fantasie hoofdbedekking, was made by an anonymous artist. Its lines were etched into a metal plate, and then printed on paper. The fine detail we see here results from the skillful application of this method, where the artist uses the qualities of metal to create an image full of texture, pattern, and form. Take a close look, and you'll notice that the woman’s elaborate headdress is teeming with fantastical elements such as a mask, jewels, and otherworldly forms. This is a piece that likely required a dedicated workshop, with specialist craftsmen and an experienced engraver, bringing together the traditions of fine art and skilled practice. This method of production meant that prints like this could be made and distributed in large quantities, bringing art to a wider audience, and in the process, transforming the way art was accessed and understood. By examining the processes and materials used to create this print, we can understand not only its aesthetic qualities but also its cultural significance and the means of its production.