Zondeval 1587

This print, "Zondeval", was created by Giacomo Valegio using the intaglio technique. With its precise lines, the image would have been achieved by meticulously engraving a metal plate. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under pressure. Look closely at the gradations of tone, built up with tiny hatch marks. The density of these lines create the illusion of shadow and volume, defining the figures of Adam and Eve. It’s a labor-intensive process, demanding skilled hands and keen eyes. Intaglio prints like this one were luxury items, circulated among wealthy collectors. In this context, the subject matter takes on a new resonance. The story of the Fall from Grace can be seen as an allegory of value and exchange. The figures are caught in the moment before the expulsion from paradise. Consider the relationship between the print’s inherent qualities, the labor involved in its creation, and the social status of those who could afford it. It reminds us that art objects are not just images, but also products of their time, imbued with the values of their makers and owners.