Cassianus, a Teacher, Killed by His Students, Imola, AD 302 1684

This engraving by Jan Luyken depicts the martyrdom of Cassianus, a teacher killed by his students in AD 302. The image is made using the technique of etching, a printmaking process that relies on the corrosive properties of acid to create lines on a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The density of line conveys a sense of chaos and violence. Luyken masterfully uses the etched line to create contrasting textures, from the smooth skin of Cassianus to the rough clothing of his attackers. The medium itself allows for the reproduction of this scene, making it available to a wider audience. This relates to the burgeoning print culture of the 17th and 18th centuries, and the wider social impact of spreading information through reproducible images. The relatively inexpensive nature of printed images allowed for mass consumption, further influencing the public's understanding of religious and historical events. Ultimately, the choice of etching as a medium underscores the democratic nature of printmaking, as it provides the means of distributing narratives.