Head of a young man in profile, from "Various portraits" (Recueil de Diverses Piéces Servant à l'Art de Portraiture) 1642 - 1652

This is a print, "Head of a young man in profile," made in the 17th century by Stefano della Bella. It is made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The fine lines create the form, and the hatching gives a sense of volume. While the result is delicate, the process of engraving is physically demanding and requires great skill and control. Consider how the artist has utilized the burin to create the fine details in the young man's hair and facial features. This print was made during a time of increasing commercialization of art, when prints became a popular way to reproduce and distribute images to a wider audience. The relative ease and affordability of printmaking compared to painting or sculpture allowed artists to reach new markets and build their reputations. It is thanks to such processes that we can contemplate this image today, across the centuries. Let's remember that the materials and making are keys to unlocking an artwork's full meaning.