Eleven boys and three goats 1646 - 1654

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, *Eleven boys and three goats*, using etching. This intaglio process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing an image through it with a needle, then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. Hollar was a prolific printmaker, known for his meticulous detail. Here, his expert handling of line brings this allegorical scene to life. Notice how the density of lines creates areas of shadow, giving depth and volume to the figures. In Hollar’s time, prints were a primary means of disseminating information and imagery. Think of them as the social media of the 17th century! Printmaking required technical skill and a degree of standardization, making it an early form of mass production. While Hollar was an accomplished artist, his work was also part of a commercial system, catering to a growing market for affordable art. This print beautifully illustrates how artistic skill, technical processes, and social context intertwine.