Venus moedigt Cupido aan een pijl naar Pluto te schieten 1606 - 1610

Jacob Matham made this print, Venus Encouraging Cupid to Shoot an Arrow at Pluto, sometime around the late 16th century using engraving. This is a print, meaning it’s part of a potentially infinite series of images made by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and running it through a press. The quality of the final print depends entirely on the quality of the initial carving. Look closely, and you’ll see the remarkable level of control Matham had over his burin, the tool used to make these cuts. Notice how he modulates the lines to create a full tonal range, and how confidently he describes the volumes of Venus and Cupid. The medium of printmaking allowed Matham to disseminate his artistic vision widely, contributing to a broader visual culture. Considering the level of skill involved, it’s important to appreciate how prints like this were essential to the art market of the time, helping to build an artist’s reputation and circulate imagery far and wide.