Witches' Sabbath 1580 - 1629

Jacques de Gheyn II created this print, Witches' Sabbath, using etching, a printmaking technique that utilizes metal plates. The process begins with a metal plate covered in a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then draws into this ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. When the plate is submerged in acid, the drawn lines are etched into the metal. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. De Gheyn’s skill with the etching needle is evident in the intricate details and tonal variations of this print. The stark contrast between the dark lines and the light paper enhances the image's eerie atmosphere. In de Gheyn's time, the print medium was seen as an industrial method, that allowed images to be widely distributed, thus democratizing access to art. This challenged the traditional art world of unique, handmade pieces, reflecting broader social shifts in labor and consumption. Looking closely at material, making, and context helps us to see how this artwork challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.