Twee vrouwen, elk met palmtak, die knielen onder een wapentrofee c. 1560

This print, titled "Twee vrouwen, elk met palmtak, die knielen onder een wapentrofee," was made by Etienne Delaune sometime between 1518 and 1583. It's an etching, created by using acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Look closely and you can see how the crispness of the etched lines defines the figures and ornamental details. The controlled, precise process of etching allowed Delaune to achieve fine details and intricate patterns, from the musculature of the female figures to the delicate foliage and heraldic motifs that surround them. This level of detail was highly prized in the 16th century, a testament to the skill and labor involved in the printmaking process. By mastering the techniques, artists like Delaune elevated printmaking to an art form, and their prints could be widely disseminated as luxury goods. So, as you look, consider not just the image itself, but also the labor and skill required to create it.