Portret van Agostino Ramelli 1620

Andreas Bretschneider created this print of Agostino Ramelli in 1620, using the technique of engraving. It is a fine example of how the relatively new medium of printmaking served the burgeoning technologies of the early modern period. Engraving involves incising an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. This process demands precision and control, qualities that resonate with the portrait’s subject, a military engineer. Ramelli is depicted with his tools, suggesting his expertise in design and construction. The sharp, clear lines of the engraving capture the textures of his clothing and the details of his instruments. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge during the scientific revolution, allowing for the mass production and distribution of technical drawings and diagrams. While we might think of this as a fine art print, it is just as importantly a mode of technical communication, made accessible to a wide audience through this relatively affordable medium. It reminds us that art and craft are not so different after all.