Ovale cartouche met Venus op een wagen, getrokken door twee zwanen 1565 - 1571

This print, made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum, features an oval cartouche with Venus on a chariot pulled by two swans. It is made using the intaglio printmaking technique. This involved incising an image into a metal plate, applying ink to the recessed areas, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the design. Look closely, and you will see the lines are crisp and precise. This would have demanded significant skill on the part of the printmaker. The whole process would be repeated for each impression. Prints like this were not unique works of art, but rather items produced in multiples. They made classical imagery accessible to a broader audience, playing a vital role in disseminating artistic styles and cultural ideas. The labor-intensive process reflects the transition of art production from individualized craft to a more systematic approach, indicative of early modern capitalism. The print's significance lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its role as a vehicle for cultural exchange and as a reflection of evolving modes of production.