Jacht op everzwijnen 1609

Antonio Tempesta made this print, "Jacht op everzwijnen," using etching and engraving. The lines you see weren't drawn directly onto paper, but incised into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed. This process allows for multiples, and this print would have been part of a series. Look closely, and you'll see that the lines vary in thickness and depth. This is because Tempesta combined the directness of etching – using acid to bite the lines – with the more controlled precision of engraving, which involves physically cutting the lines with a tool called a burin. The result is a dynamic scene of the hunt, full of energy and detail. This speaks to the culture of printmaking, and its links to both artistic skill, and a burgeoning market for accessible images. The relatively low cost of a print like this meant that it could be enjoyed by a much wider audience, and also shared widely, than a painting. This democratizing effect is one of the most fascinating aspects of printmaking.