Portret van Galeazzo Visconti 1549 - 1575

This portrait of Galeazzo Visconti, an early ruler of Milan, was made by an anonymous artist with engraving on paper. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique, where the artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, often copper. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, they create the image. The crisp, precise lines seen here are characteristic of engraving, giving the portrait a detailed and formal quality. The process demands a high level of skill and control, reflecting the engraver's expertise. The medium was perfect for disseminating images and information widely, contributing to the growth of visual culture and awareness in the early modern period. By valuing the labor and skill involved in this type of printmaking, we can understand the social and economic contexts in which images like this circulated. Ultimately, this allows us to appreciate the significance of printmaking alongside other art forms.