L'Assomption de la Vierge 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin created this print, L'Assomption de la Vierge, in the mid-17th century. The image is achieved through engraving, a process demanding considerable skill and patience. A design is incised into a metal plate, often copper, using a tool called a burin, and then ink is applied to the plate and then transferred to paper. The technique is crucial to understanding the image. The density of the lines creates areas of shadow and light, defining the forms of the Virgin Mary and the surrounding angels. Look closely, and you'll notice that the texture of the lines varies, contributing to the overall tonal range of the print. In the 17th century, printmaking was a vital industry, enabling the widespread dissemination of images. This print not only showcases Morin's technical virtuosity, but it also reflects the growing importance of reproductive technologies in shaping religious and cultural beliefs. The very act of creating and distributing such images had social and political implications, influencing devotion and identity.