Zittende naakte man 1751

This print, titled "Zittende naakte man," was made by an artist known only by the monogram FML. The process of printmaking is key here. See how the image is built up from tiny etched or engraved lines? Each one of those had to be physically cut into a metal plate, a labor-intensive process. The quality of the line is what gives the image its character, a kind of shimmering light and shadow. Consider, too, the social context of printmaking. It's a reproductive medium, meaning that images could be disseminated widely, not just enjoyed by a wealthy patron. This had radical implications for the world of art, making images and ideas far more accessible. So, next time you look at a print, think about the hand that made it, and the hands that would eventually hold it. That's where the real meaning lies.