Putto met drietand op dolfijn en putto met tweetand op driekoppig, hondachtig zeedier c. 1580 - 1610

This print was made by Giovanni Andrea Maglioli, but we're not certain exactly when. It features two winged putti, one riding a dolphin, the other on a three-headed dog-like sea creature, both wielding tridents. The artwork is an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive power of acid to create an image on a metal plate. The artist would have coated a copper plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and then drawn the design, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which eats into the exposed lines, creating grooves. These grooves hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the design transfers. Look closely, and you'll see the incredible level of detail Maglioli achieved. The etching process allowed for fine lines and intricate textures, bringing these fantastical beings to life. This print showcases the skilled labor involved in traditional printmaking, highlighting the intersection of technical expertise, artistic vision, and the cultural context that values such craftsmanship.