The Circumcision 1537 - 1551

Andrea Schiavone made this print, *The Circumcision*, in the 16th century using etching. Etching is an intaglio printmaking technique, which means the image is incised into a metal plate using acid. The plate is then inked, and the ink held in the etched lines is transferred to paper under high pressure, creating the image. The visible lines, combined with the tonal qualities achieved through controlled biting, give the print its distinctive look. Schiavone's use of etching shows his engagement with the artistic practices of his time. As printmaking was crucial for disseminating images and ideas, Schiavone’s choice of medium reflects the increasing commercialization of art. The labor-intensive process of etching, from preparing the plate to printing each image, speaks to the skilled craftsmanship involved, yet the multiplication of images also suggests a move towards broader distribution and consumption. The print is not just a reproduction but an object imbued with the social and cultural values of its time.