The News Brought to Olympus 1516

Agostino Veneziano created this print, "The News Brought to Olympus" in the 16th century using the technique of engraving. With an engraver, lines are incised into a metal plate, usually copper, which is then inked and printed, resulting in an image of remarkable linear precision. The key to this print is the artist's mastery of the burin, a tool that allows for the creation of fine, controlled lines. By varying the pressure and angle of the burin, Veneziano was able to create a sense of depth and volume, as seen in the swirling clouds. Consider also the social context. Printmaking at this time was a burgeoning industry, reliant on skilled artisans, catering to a growing market for accessible, reproducible images. Far from being "high art," prints like these were a form of popular media, disseminating stories and ideas widely, reflecting the culture. So next time you look at an engraving, think not only of the image itself, but also of the hand skills involved in its making, and the historical context that gave it meaning.