Plate 24: The Warring Men Born of the Serpent's Teeth (Militum Seges e draconis dentium seminio), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "The Warring Men Born of the Serpent's Teeth" from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses,' using etching and engraving. These are essentially industrial processes, adapted for artistic ends. The artist manipulates metal with acid and sharp tools to produce this scene. Lines incised into the plate hold ink, transferring the image to paper. This repeatable technology democratized image production in the 16th and 17th centuries. The density of lines creates tone and texture, bringing Ovid’s mythological world to life. Look at the figures emerging from the ground, weapons drawn – Tempesta skillfully uses line to convey movement and chaos. Consider the labor involved: from the mining of the metal to the press operator, each print represents a network of work. This print embodies the increasing commodification of art, yet retains the hand of the artist, skillfully manipulating materials to engage with the classical world. It's a reminder that even seemingly mass-produced images carry layers of meaning and human effort.