Venus en Cupido 1670 - 1725

Willem van Swanenburg made this print, Venus en Cupido, using the intaglio process of engraving. This process, often used for mass production, speaks to the rise of print culture at the time. The engraver starts by using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, often copper. The depth and spacing of these lines determine the amount of ink they hold, and therefore the darkness of the printed line. After inking the plate, it’s pressed against a sheet of paper, transferring the image. The resulting print has a distinctive quality, characterized by clean, sharp lines. Looking at the artwork, you can see how the engraved lines create a sense of volume and texture, defining the figures of Venus and Cupid. The way Swanenburg uses these lines to depict light and shadow gives the image a dynamic quality, drawing the eye to the narrative. By understanding the means of production, we recognize this image not just as a representation, but also as an object deeply embedded in the social and economic context of its time.