Print from Drawing Book c. 1610 - 1620

This print from a drawing book was made by Luca Ciamberlano, who died in 1641. It offers a fascinating peek into the workshop practices of the time. The printmaking process itself involved skillful handwork, with Ciamberlano likely using tools to etch lines into a metal plate. The image captures hands engaged in various tasks: writing with a quill, pointing, and sharpening a quill. These weren't just any hands; they were the tools of intellectual and artistic labor. The detailed rendering suggests an intimate understanding of how skilled work manifests physically. Consider the quill, a humble yet essential tool. Its preparation, from selecting the right feather to meticulously sharpening it, embodies a craft tradition. The act of writing, then, becomes a physical process, demanding both intellectual and manual dexterity. By emphasizing the hand, Ciamberlano elevates the status of skilled labor, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday practices.