De heilige Johannes de Doper 1712 - 1786

This image of Saint John the Baptist was made with engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how Pitteri has used this process to great effect. Notice how the density of the engraved lines creates areas of dark shadow and contrast, giving the image a strong sense of depth. In some areas, the lines are closely packed together, creating a rich, velvety texture. In others, they are more widely spaced, allowing the white of the paper to show through and create a sense of light. The engraver's skill in manipulating the lines is evident in the way they follow the contours of the saint's face and body, giving the image a sense of realism. Prints like this one were produced in multiples, to be widely distributed. So while Pitteri would certainly have been recognized for his skill, this image also has to be understood in terms of its accessibility to a broad audience. It’s a reminder that even works with religious subjects were deeply embedded in a wider world of labor, production, and consumption.