Latona en de Lycische boeren 1617 - 1634

Magdalena van de Passe made this engraving, Latona en de Lycische boeren, using the technique of carving lines into a metal plate, likely copper, to hold ink and create this detailed image. Engraving, as a process, allows for the reproduction of images, making art accessible to a wider audience. Here, the sharp lines define the figures of Latona and the peasants, highlighting the contrast between the classical subject and the ordinary people. The dense foliage in the background demonstrates the artist’s mastery in creating texture and depth. The material qualities of the print – its black ink on white paper – create a stark and dramatic scene. The act of engraving itself is labor-intensive, demanding precision and skill. Van de Passe was part of a family of engravers, suggesting a workshop setting where these skills were passed down and refined. The reproductive nature of engraving also ties into the emerging print culture of the 17th century, a period of increased literacy and information dissemination. By appreciating the craft and context of this print, we can better understand its value as a cultural artifact, and the intersection of art, labor, and society.