Venus and Eros 1514 - 1536

Agostino Veneziano created this engraving, "Venus and Eros," sometime in the early 16th century. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The technique is intrinsically linear, so the challenge for an artist is to build up tone and volume using only marks. Look closely, and you'll see how Veneziano uses hatching and cross-hatching - dense networks of parallel lines - to create shadows and suggest the contours of Venus's body. The quality of line is all-important here; it determines the crispness and clarity of the image. It is incredibly laborious work. This print was made during the rise of a print market, making art more widely available. The skill required to produce such an intricate image speaks to the sophisticated artistic culture of the time, as well as the development of new markets and modes of production. By considering the techniques used, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and context of this work.