The Eleven Ages of Women 1609 - 1672

This print, "The Eleven Ages of Women," was made by Gerhard Altzenbach, probably in Germany, sometime in the mid-17th century. It's an engraving, meaning that the artist used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a copper plate. Ink was then applied to the plate and wiped off, remaining only in the incised lines. Finally, the plate was pressed onto a sheet of paper. Engraving was a highly skilled, labor-intensive process, demanding both technical mastery and artistic vision. Notice the crispness and precision of the lines, which allow for a wealth of detail. This wasn't just a demonstration of technical skill; it also allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. Prints like this one played a vital role in disseminating ideas and imagery across Europe. Consider the social context: in a time before photography, printed images like this one were crucial for circulating visual information. The print is not just an artwork, but a product of sophisticated craft and distribution networks.