Heilige Marcus met leeuw 1534 - 1640

This print of Saint Mark with a lion was made by an anonymous artist, and its creation involved the meticulous process of engraving. Engraving is a printmaking technique where the artist carefully carves lines into a metal plate, typically copper. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Paper is laid on top, and run through a press under high pressure, transferring the image. The fine lines and intricate details seen here speak to the skill required. The resulting image of St. Mark embodies the cultural and social values attached to craftsmanship, and it offers a glimpse into the labor involved in producing images at the time. The printmaking process emphasizes the artist's hand and skill, reflecting values associated with artisanal production, yet it can also be reproduced, highlighting the complexities of labor, value, and dissemination in society.