Foltering: hangen tussen gespannen bomen en spijkers onder de nagels 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Foltering: hangen tussen gespannen bomen en spijkers onder de nagels," using etching and engraving techniques. Here, the material, ink on paper, serves as a medium for storytelling, depicting a scene of torture with graphic detail. The intricate lines, etched and engraved into the plate, demanded precision and skill from Tempesta. Note the contrasting textures achieved through these processes, from the smooth skin of the figures to the rough bark of the trees. The act of printmaking itself, involving labor-intensive processes of design, carving, inking, and printing, mirrors the labor and suffering depicted in the image. This print reflects the socio-political context of its time, serving as a visual narrative of power, punishment, and religious persecution. The contrast between the artistry of the print and the brutality of the subject matter challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.