Tastzin 1630 - 1654

This print, titled "Tactus", comes to us from an anonymous hand. It is made using the intaglio process, where lines are etched into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then pressed onto paper. The graphic arts in the early modern period were often deeply entwined with commerce. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive to produce, and served as a crucial means of disseminating images and ideas to a broad audience. The intricate detail achieved through etching speaks to the skilled labour involved, even as the process allowed for mass production. Note how the figure, representing the sense of touch, delicately holds a bird, contrasting with the rough texture of her dress. Prints occupied a curious position – both precious objects and disposable commodities. They remind us that all art is made within a specific economic context, blurring the lines between craft, industry, and artistic expression.