Psyche ontvangt de kruik met Proserpina's schoonheid 1509 - 1596

This print, 'Psyche ontvangt de kruik met Proserpina's schoonheid', was made by an anonymous artist. The printmaking process is crucial here. Notice the stark contrasts and fine lines, typical of the etching technique. Acid would have been used to bite into a metal plate, allowing the artist to create these precise, repeatable marks. This wasn't just about making an image; it was about reproduction, dissemination, and the art market. Prints like these democratized art, making mythological scenes accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite who commissioned original paintings. Consider the labour involved: the skilled hand of the etcher, the materials sourced, and the printing process itself. The final print acted as a commodity, bought and sold in a growing market for images. This piece invites us to consider how art is not just about the grand narrative, but also the means of its production and consumption.