Adam en Eva als eerste ouders c. 1560 - 1574

Girolamo Fagiuoli made this engraving, "Adam en Eva als eerste ouders," using metal, acid, and ink, to create a reversed image on paper. The fine lines of the print are the results of an intricate, labor-intensive process. Acid bites into the metal plate wherever the artist has drawn through a protective wax layer. The depth and width of these etched lines determine the darkness and character of the printed image. Here, we see that Fagiuoli has used the technique to its full potential, creating a complex composition with many different textures. He meticulously rendered the musculature of Adam and Eve, the softness of the child's skin, and the varied textures of the surrounding landscape. This highlights the relationship between humans and nature. The artist reminds us that even a print has a physical presence; it is not just an image, but an object made with skill, labor, and care. Consider how the artist engaged in skilled traditions alongside the fine arts. It prompts us to rethink how we value art and the amount of work involved in its production.