Reliëf met mannen die dieren villen 1628 - 1682

This etching, Relief with Men Skinning Animals, was made by Jean Lepautre in the 17th century. It’s created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. This printmaking process allows for the detailed rendering of figures and textures. Look closely and you'll notice the contrast between the smooth skin of the figures and the rough fur of the animals they are skinning. The linear quality of the etching emphasizes the contours of the bodies and the patterns of the drapery, highlighting the labor involved in the depicted scene. The print medium itself reflects a mode of production, enabling the wide distribution of imagery and ideas. It also brings into focus the social context of labor and the means of representing it. By considering the materials and the making of this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, bridging the gap between fine art and the realities of everyday life.