Graf van paus Leo XI 1696 - 1717

This print of the Tomb of Pope Leo XI was made by Giovanni Girolamo Frezza in the 17th-18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. The design is linear, almost diagrammatic, and the coloring, while delicately applied, does little to mitigate this graphic quality. In the printmaking process, the artist uses acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Here, we see the expert hand of the engraver, meticulously translating a three-dimensional monument into a two-dimensional image. The textures and details of the tomb are captured through fine lines and shading, showcasing the skill involved in this reproductive craft. It’s important to remember that prints like these were not simply copies, but active agents in the circulation of taste and ideas. Disseminated widely, they brought knowledge of high art to a broad audience. By appreciating the labor and techniques embedded in this print, we can move beyond the traditional hierarchy separating art from craft, and more fully understand its historical significance.