The Pope, from the Dance of Death 1651 - 1800

This print, The Pope, from the Dance of Death, was made by Wenceslaus Hollar sometime before 1677. It's a miniature world rendered through the incisive lines of etching. The essence of etching lies in its indirectness. The artist protects a metal plate with a waxy ground, draws through it to expose the metal, and then immerses the plate in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. In Hollar’s time, printmaking was a sophisticated industry. The evenness of the lines here, and the fineness of detail, speak to the expertise of workshop production. The very nature of the medium, with its reliance on repeatable processes, makes it a perfect vehicle for social commentary. In this work, the Pope is confronted by death, reminding us that earthly power is fleeting. The print is small, and affordable, intended for wide circulation. It is a potent reminder that even the most rarefied art objects are connected to the means of their production, and the culture in which they are made.