Les neuf Muses c. 17th century

Stefano della Bella created Les Neuf Muses in the 17th century, using etching on paper. The act of etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into the wax, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed metal. The plate is then inked and printed, transferring the image onto paper. The quality of the line in this etching highlights della Bella's virtuosity. Etching allowed for relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of images, contrasting with the more laborious process of engraving. The marks are not only lines but expressions of intellectual and manual labor. Note that the paper itself is a critical material here. The artist would have selected a sheet with characteristics that enhanced the final image. Thinking about the materials and processes used to create this print allows us to appreciate the layers of skill and technique involved, which are crucial to fully understanding its artistic and cultural value.