Portret van kardinaal Pietro Bembo 1501 - 1580

Giulio Bonasone created this print of Cardinal Pietro Bembo using an engraving technique. Here, lines are incised into a metal plate, holding ink which is then transferred to paper. Notice the fineness of the lines, particularly in the Cardinal's face and beard, which give a sense of depth and texture. Engraving like this was a highly skilled, laborious process. The engraver would need a steady hand and an understanding of perspective and shading. But the result was a print that could be reproduced multiple times, and widely distributed. The print medium itself has the effect of ennobling Cardinal Bembo, by virtue of its association with high culture. This reproductive capacity was particularly valuable in the 16th century, when the circulation of images was becoming increasingly important. Prints like this allowed people to see and learn about important figures, like Cardinal Bembo, regardless of their location or social status. So while the engraving process was highly skilled, it also contributed to a wider distribution of knowledge and ideas, challenging traditional distinctions between elite and popular culture.