Musica 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut made this print, ‘Musica,’ using etching and engraving. Look closely, and you can see the marks left by these processes. The linear quality of the image is completely dependent on the artist’s skilled manipulation of metal. These are line-by-line methods of image creation, involving not only conceptual and artistic skill but also intense labor, and these physical processes have imbued the artwork with a graphic and rhythmic quality. Schut's creative practice aligns with a rich tradition, blending elements of craft and fine arts. These processes reflect wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Etching and engraving, though less physically demanding than sculpture, still demanded a considerable investment of time and effort. The materials, metal plates, acids, and tools, connected this artwork to a network of trade and production that went well beyond the artist's studio. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.