The martyrdom of Saint Sebastian 1724 - 1734

Anne Claude Philippe Caylus made this print of The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian using etching and engraving techniques. It is a reproduction of a drawing by Daniel Sarrabat. The linear quality of the print is what stands out. Caylus would have painstakingly used a sharp needle-like tool to draw the design onto a metal plate covered with a wax ground. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and then the surface was wiped clean. Finally, the plate was pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This printmaking process allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. It also speaks to the division of labor inherent in the art world at the time, with artists like Caylus acting as intermediaries, translating the work of others into a more easily disseminated form. Considering the social context of printmaking reminds us that art is not just about individual expression; it's also about production, distribution, and consumption.