Two Male Nudes Gesturing in a Landscape c. 1537

This print of two male nudes in a landscape was made by Domenico Beccafumi in the 16th century using etching. Beccafumi's method involves applying acid to a metal plate to create lines, which then hold ink to make the print. Look closely at the figures and you can see a network of fine, precise lines, built up to create tone and texture. The real skill is in understanding how long to leave the plate in the acid bath. Too short, and the lines will be faint; too long, and the image will be over-etched and blurred. You can see how the artist balances the muscularity of the figures with the delicacy of the landscape. The texture of the skin and the curls of hair give a sense of volume and movement, while the thin, horizontal lines of the sky suggest depth and distance. Through his mastery of the etching process, Beccafumi achieves a remarkable level of detail and nuance. It's a testament to the power of printmaking as a way to disseminate images and ideas, and to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who make them.