Gevleugelde zeeleeuw met golvende manen en een baard 1580 - 1610

This is a ‘Gevleugelde zeeleeuw met golvende manen en een baard’, or winged sea lion with wavy mane and a beard, made by Giovanni Andrea Maglioli using the printmaking technique of engraving. The crisp, precise lines that define the sea lion's form were achieved by meticulously cutting into a metal plate with a tool called a burin. This painstaking process allowed the artist to create intricate details and subtle gradations of tone. Each line represents a deliberate act, a physical engagement with the material that speaks to the artist’s skill and dedication. Consider the texture of the lion's mane, the scales of its tail, and the delicate feathers of its wings. All brought to life through the controlled pressure of the engraver's hand. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, printmaking in general was crucial to the wider culture. It allowed images and ideas to circulate widely. So when you look at this print, consider the labor, the materials, and the social context that shaped its creation.