The Large Cat 1657

Cornelis Visscher created this print, "The Large Cat," in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-17th century. Visscher was a master of engraving. Look closely and you will see that the image is made from thousands of tiny lines incised into a copper plate. The process begins by coating a polished copper plate with wax, then the artist uses a tool called a burin to scratch away the wax, exposing the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the lines, the more ink they will hold, and the darker they will appear in the print. Think about the intense labor involved in this technique. Visscher’s skilled hand teases out the texture of the cat’s fur, the glint in its eye. This print is not just an image; it's a testament to human skill. By focusing on these aspects, we can appreciate the true craftsmanship and artistry involved.