Cartouche met leeuwenkop en Christusmonogram c. 1595

This “Cartouche with lion head and Christ monogram” was made anonymously around 1595, using the technique of engraving. The graphic quality of this print, made with simple tools to cut lines into a metal plate, is striking. Look closely, and you can see how the different depths and densities of the engraved lines create subtle gradations of tone. In this instance, the relative ease of reproduction allowed for complex images and texts to circulate widely, playing an essential role in cultural dissemination. Engraving demanded great skill and time. The lines, each representing a deliberate cut, accumulated to form this intricate ornamental design, typical of the period. The lion head and Christogram are rendered with exquisite precision. There’s a strong relationship between the graphic nature of the prints and the text included in the central oval, highlighting the intersection of image and communication. Considering the labor involved, this print offers a fascinating window into the culture of the late 16th century, where the value of skilled handcraftsmanship intertwined with the burgeoning possibilities of print culture.