Antieke zeeslag 1534 - 1609

This print of an ancient sea battle was made by Michele Greco around 1600 using the process of etching. Etching involves drawing with a needle on a metal plate coated with wax. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. Ink is applied to the recessed areas and then printed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the qualities this process gives the image: fine, precise lines capturing the energy of combat. The material of the metal plate allows for incredibly detailed and reproducible images. In Greco’s time, printmaking was essential for disseminating imagery and knowledge across Europe. It wasn’t just about art, but about sharing ideas. The labor involved in creating such prints was intensive, demanding skill and precision. Yet the result was accessible, a far cry from unique paintings owned only by the elite. So, when we look at this dramatic scene, remember that the material and making are just as important as the subject matter. They tell us about the changing world of art and information in Greco’s time.