Woman and Satyr with Two Cupids c. 1506 - 1512

Benedetto Montagna created this print, *Woman and Satyr with Two Cupids*, using the intaglio process of engraving. Notice the linear quality of the image, achieved by cutting lines directly into a copper plate. This labor-intensive process results in crisp, precise lines, which Montagna uses to define form, texture, and shadow. Look closely and you can appreciate the amount of work involved to create such a complex scene, from the landscape to the figures. The very act of engraving is also imbued with social significance. Printmaking allowed for the wider dissemination of images, making art more accessible to a broader audience. Montagna was part of a community of northern Italian artists that were in dialogue with the revolutionary developments of the printing press, which meant artists had to adopt a craftsmanlike approach to artmaking. This print offers a glimpse into the world of Renaissance art and its relationship to craft, labor, and cultural exchange. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the full meaning of this artwork.