Peasant in Slashed Clothes 1587

This print, *Peasant in Slashed Clothes*, was made in 1587 by an anonymous artist. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink was then applied to the plate, forced into the grooves, and the surface wiped clean before printing. Look closely and you’ll see how the material influences the artwork. The sharp, precise lines are a direct result of the engraving process. This technique allowed the artist to create intricate details and textures, from the peasant's slashed clothing to the landscape beneath his feet. The act of engraving itself is labor-intensive, reflecting the social context of the time. Prints like these were relatively accessible, allowing for wider dissemination of images and ideas. The choice to depict a peasant, and his defiant statement in the script, adds another layer of meaning. This print blurs the lines between high art and popular culture.