Copy of Dedication to Lorenzo de'Medici, from "Les Caprices" Series A, The Florence Set 1620 - 1700

This miniature print, a "Copy of Dedication to Lorenzo de' Medici", was etched by an anonymous artist as part of a series called "Les Caprices". The image is made through etching, a printmaking technique that involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Here, the dedication is made using the intaglio printmaking technique, where the lines are incised into the plate to hold ink. The pressure of the printing press forces the paper into these lines, creating a slightly raised image. The density of the lines determine the degree of shading and detail. The technique is important here, as it was not easily achieved. The tiny scale, combined with the complexity of the lettering, speaks to the artist’s virtuosity. Etching allowed for a relatively quick method for mass production. This copy speaks to the rise of print culture and the demand for images, making artworks accessible to a broader audience. This demonstrates how material, making, and context are all crucial to understanding the artwork.