Portret van paus Sixtus V 1751

This print of Pope Sixtus the Fifth was made by Jan Punt, a Dutch artist, using engraving, a method that requires a very particular skillset. To create this image, Punt would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. The precision and control needed for this process are remarkable. Look closely and you'll see how the network of fine lines defines the contours of the Pope’s face and clothing, giving volume and texture. Engraving was a key technology for disseminating images in the 18th century. Prints like these made visual information widely accessible. In this context, we can appreciate the cultural significance of printmaking, which allowed knowledge and artistic expression to circulate beyond elite circles. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images are the result of skilled labor and complex social dynamics.