The flight into Egypt, with the Holy Family in a boat 1730 - 1750

This print, ‘The Flight into Egypt,’ was made by Pietro Monaco in the 18th century, using engraving. This is an intaglio printmaking technique, in which lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper under pressure. Look closely, and you’ll see how the engraver varied the marks to create subtle tonal gradations. This wasn’t just a reproductive technique. Monaco has created a work of considerable artistry. The engraving process, which has been around for centuries, became deeply intertwined with capitalism. Its capacity to reproduce images at scale was essential for disseminating information, from scientific diagrams to advertisements. In the 1700s it also helped to spread the fame and influence of star painters. Next time you see an engraving, remember that it's not just an image, but also a testament to the power of mass production.