Helmeted head 1662 - 1678

This print, "Helmeted Head," was made by Francis Place, an English artist, using a process called etching. This intaglio technique involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely and you can see how the etched lines define the form of the helmet and the man's face. The material of the print— the paper and ink —influences the final appearance. The fineness of the etched lines allows for a remarkable level of detail, capturing the texture of the metal and the feathers atop the helmet. The printmaking process itself is significant. It involves a combination of technical skill and artistry. Place would have needed a deep understanding of the properties of the metal, acid, and ink to create this image. This kind of knowledge was often passed down through workshops and guilds, representing a tangible form of embodied knowledge. The amount of work involved in creating the etched plate underscores the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. Considering the material and processes used, we can better appreciate the artistry and labor involved in creating this print, challenging traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft.