Amphiaraus 1540 - 1550

Domenico del Barbiere made this print, *Amphiaraus*, in the mid-16th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the design was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed onto paper. The material properties of metal and the engraving process are essential to the image. Think of the physical effort involved in cutting those lines into the copper. This painstaking work determined the print’s visual qualities. The varying depths and densities create the illusion of light, shadow, and texture, bringing the dramatic scene to life. Engraving was a skilled craft, demanding precision and control. But it was also a mode of reproduction. Multiple impressions could be made from a single plate, allowing for the wider circulation of images and ideas. In its time, this print would have been considered a relatively accessible object. So, while *Amphiaraus* may seem like a traditional artwork, it's deeply embedded in the social and economic context of its time. The print bridges the gap between artisanal skill and early industrial production, blurring the lines between art and craft.