Brand in de Borgo 1514 - 1527

Marcantonio Raimondi made this print, *Brand in de Borgo*, sometime in the early 16th century, using engraving. This is an intaglio process, where the design is incised into a metal plate. Ink is then forced into these lines, and the surface wiped clean. Finally, the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. Raimondi was a key figure in the rise of printmaking as a means of reproducing and disseminating artworks. This particular print showcases his technical skill; the cross-hatching, tiny dots and fine lines, create a remarkable range of tones and textures. You’ll notice the dramatic scene unfolding – figures desperately trying to escape a fire. Consider the labor involved: the artist’s patient work with engraving tools, and the press operator’s physical effort in producing each print. The engraving process may be ‘mechanical,’ but here it allows for an intimate, emotional connection with the viewer. This print reveals how technical processes can be used to tell very human stories.