Ornament with a Genius Holding a Shield 1536

This small print, Ornament with a Genius Holding a Shield, was made by Master MVHF around the mid-16th century using engraving, a process dependent on metal. To create it, the artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. Ink would then be applied to the plate and wiped off the surface, remaining only in the etched lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The resulting fine lines and precise details allow for intricate patterns and a range of tonal effects. The amount of labor involved in this detailed engraving speaks to the skill of the artist. It suggests a culture where craftsmanship and design were closely intertwined. Although small in scale, the print demonstrates the impact of skilled handwork in the creation of ornamental designs, which were important in the creation of luxury goods. It is a testament to the value placed on handcrafted detail during this period, before industrial manufacturing began to dominate production.