An old skinny man at left talking with a fat man at right 1505 - 1515

Marcantonio Raimondi made this engraving of two men in the early 16th century. The printmaking process begins by incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the network of fine lines that create the image, almost like a detailed drawing. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master the techniques of line weight and cross-hatching. This process allowed for the relatively inexpensive reproduction of images, democratizing art in a way previously unimaginable. Prints like these circulated widely, carrying artistic ideas across Europe. In this work, the contrast between the men’s physiques is striking. Consider how Raimondi’s mastery of line brings out the textures of skin and muscle. The very act of engraving, a labor-intensive process, mirrors the effort and skill involved in shaping the human form, whether through work or other means. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to fully appreciate this artwork, bridging the perceived divide between craft and fine art.