Lente 1750 - 1762

Benedikt Winkler made this print, Lente, likely sometime in the mid-18th century, using etching and engraving. Look closely, and you’ll see the intricate play of lines creating this elaborate cartouche, a decorative frame, announcing the “Fifth Book of Cartouches.” Winkler meticulously carved into a metal plate, probably copper, using tools to create a network of grooves. Acid would have then bitten into the exposed lines, allowing for the printing of the image. The printmaking process allowed for the mass production and dissemination of designs. This speaks volumes about the social context of the time. The rise of print culture facilitated the spread of artistic ideas and ornamentation, catering to a growing market for decorative elements in architecture and the applied arts. Consider the labor involved – the skilled hand of the engraver translating artistic vision into reproducible form. It’s a reminder that even seemingly “fine art” like this is deeply intertwined with craft, design, and the broader world of making.