Joseph Escaping Potiphar's Wife 1512

Lucas van Leyden made this print using an engraving technique. A painstaking method, the artist incised lines directly into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. The physical properties of metal determine much of the image's visual character. Notice the density of fine lines that create tonality. This was achieved by varying the depth and proximity of each mark. Look closely, and you will see how the artist used cross-hatching to build up darker areas, describing the folds of fabric and the fall of light. The story of Joseph is rendered with great detail, from the frantic gestures of the figures to the objects scattered on the floor. Yet, the deeper significance lies in the labor and skill required to produce this image. Intaglio printing allowed for the wide distribution of images, fueling the market for art, and impacting social communication during the Renaissance. By understanding the processes of production, we gain insight into the cultural values of the time, expanding our understanding of art history beyond the realm of painting and sculpture.