Knight, Death, and the Devil 1513

Albrecht Durer made this print using etching techniques to make fine lines on a metal plate. The plate was then inked and transferred to paper. The etching allowed Durer to create incredibly intricate details, from the texture of the knight's armor to the grotesque figures of Death and the Devil lurking in the background. This level of detail wasn't just about showing off skill, it was also about conveying a sense of moral seriousness. Look closely, and you can see the artist's mastery, but also feel the weight of the decisions that the knight is making. Etching was becoming increasingly important in Durer’s time, as it provided artisans with a more efficient way of producing multiple copies of an image. Consider the labor involved in producing each print, from the preparation of the plate to the final transfer. Durer's print bridges craft and fine art, inviting us to consider the amount of work involved in production.