Afra mulier vidua before 1558

Enea Vico created this print, Afra mulier vidua, sometime in the 16th century using the intaglio technique of engraving. Engraving, a printmaking process, involves cutting lines into a metal plate, filling them with ink, and then transferring the image to paper under high pressure. The crisp, precise lines visible here speak to the engraver's skill and control. Think of it: each mark painstakingly carved by hand, demanding immense patience. The material qualities of the print – the fineness of the lines, the subtle gradations of tone – all stem from this labor-intensive process. The very act of engraving imbues the image with cultural significance. The proliferation of printed images like these played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping visual culture. Ultimately, understanding the labor and technical skill invested in this print encourages us to look beyond the image itself, and recognize its place within a wider history of creative production.