The Cumeaean sibyl walking to the right and carrying a tray, followed by three women, set within an elaborate frame 1535 - 1580

Battista Angolo del Moro created this print, The Cumeaean Sibyl, in the 16th century using the etching process. This method involves covering a metal plate with a waxy ground, scratching an image into it, and then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, allowing for a highly detailed image to be printed. The very character of the etching technique, with its reliance on line, defines the aesthetic. It lends itself to intricate detail, visible in the elaborate frame surrounding the central scene. Note the figures of putti, fruit garlands, and classical motifs. The etching process enabled the relatively easy reproduction of images, making art accessible to a wider audience. This print reflects the growing importance of the medium, which democratized image-making and distribution. Ultimately, appreciating the craft of etching allows us to consider its broader impact on art and society in the early modern period.