Amphion c. 17th century

Stefano della Bella made this print, "Amphion," sometime in the 17th century, using etching on paper. The material qualities of this print really define its aesthetic. The thin, delicate lines are made possible by the etching process, in which a metal plate is coated with wax, the design is scratched into the wax, and then acid is used to bite the exposed metal. The plate is then inked and printed onto paper. Etching was especially popular at this time, as it allowed for relatively quick and easy reproduction, making images more accessible to a wider audience. The technique also enabled artists to achieve a level of detail and nuance that would be difficult to achieve through other printmaking methods. The linear quality lends itself well to the depiction of dynamic scenes, like this one of Amphion playing his violin. The material and process are thus key to its accessibility, artistic qualities, and its place in a broader history of both art and commerce.