Heilige Martinus 1634 - 1698

This etching of Saint Martin, made by Jonas Umbach in the 17th century, gives us a glimpse into the world of early printmaking. The image is created by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see how Umbach uses the lines to create a sense of depth and texture. The density of the lines creates darker areas, and the direction of the lines helps to define the forms of the figures. The etching process, though relatively simple in concept, required great skill and precision. The etcher needed to be able to draw accurately and confidently, and to have a good understanding of how the ink would behave on the plate. The resulting prints would have been relatively inexpensive and easily reproducible, making them a popular form of art for a growing middle class. This is a reminder that what we now call fine art has always been connected to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption.