Putti and Lions 1537

This print, Putti and Lions, was made by Master FG around 1557, using the intaglio process of engraving. Engraving is a labor-intensive process, requiring the artist to use a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Finally, dampened paper is forced against the plate in a press, transferring the image. The technique results in incredible detail and precision, seen here in the fine lines that define the figures' musculature and the lions' fur. Engraving like this wasn't just a way to make art. It was a reproductive technology, allowing images to be disseminated widely. In the 16th century, this was a relatively new phenomenon, and prints like these played a crucial role in spreading artistic ideas and styles across Europe. The skilled labor and the mechanics of production are crucial to understanding its place in the world, not just as an image, but as a commodity in a burgeoning market for art.