Aethiops before 1558

Enea Vico created this engraving, Aethiops, dating from around the mid-16th century. The vertical composition captures a full-length figure rendered with precise, detailed lines. The subject stands confidently, his form and attire meticulously delineated. The artist uses line work to create depth and texture, from the soft folds of the turban to the patterned fabric of the tunic. Notice the contrasting textures, achieved through varying densities of hatching and cross-hatching, which define the subject's form and the drapery's fall. Vico’s skill in capturing light and shadow enhances the figure's three-dimensionality. The choice of engraving as a medium allows for the reproduction of intricate details, reinforcing the historical and cultural representation of the subject. In its time, this print would have served as a mode of disseminating knowledge about different peoples, reflecting early understandings and categorizations of race and identity. It invites us to consider how visual representation plays a role in shaping cultural perceptions.