Hoorn des overvloeds waaruit drie konijnen te voorschijn komen 1573 - 1610

This print, "Hoorn des overvloeds waaruit drie konijnen te voorschijn komen," was made by Christoph Jamnitzer in the late 16th or early 17th century using etching. The crisp lines and delicate shading speak to the alchemic process of acid biting into a metal plate. It is a precise method demanding expertise, and no small amount of physical labor. Notice the intricate details of the cornucopia, overflowing with foliage and rabbits, supported by two figures. Jamnitzer masterfully uses the graphic potential of the etched line to create a sense of depth and texture. The etcher's art transforms base materials, like copper, into something refined and valuable, and points to the commercial opportunities of the era. This print underscores the importance of technical skill in the creation of art, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. The abundance depicted, ironically, depended on the labor involved in the printmaking process itself.