Tuinman c. 1576 - 1624

This print of a gardener was made by Francesco Villamena sometime between the late 16th and early 17th century. The artist employed the process of engraving, cutting lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. This method allowed for the wide distribution of images, playing a key role in the rise of visual culture. Notice how Villamena used carefully placed lines to describe the gardener's worn clothing, his weathered face, and the tools of his trade – the spade and rake leaning against the ground. The texture of the print is a direct result of the engraver's labor, each line meticulously carved, reflecting the manual effort of both the artist and the gardener depicted. This print is more than just a portrait; it's a statement about labor and class. By choosing a common laborer as his subject, Villamena elevates the dignity of work. The image reminds us of the countless hours of labor required to sustain society, blurring the lines between high art and the everyday realities of life.