Pietà 1580 - 1600

Johann Sadeler I created this 'Pietà', sometime around the late 16th century, using engraving. It’s a printmaking technique involving carving lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. Engraving demands precision and control, crucial for capturing the emotional intensity of the scene. The lines create light and shadow, defining the figures of Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus, with angels attending. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density and direction of the engraved lines sculpt the forms. The act of engraving is labor-intensive. Each line represents hours of meticulous work, reflecting the value placed on skill and craftsmanship during this period. But there's also a social context: prints like these were relatively accessible, enabling the wide circulation of religious imagery. By understanding the means of production, the cultural reach of works like this 'Pietà' comes sharply into focus, challenging any boundary between fine art and devotional object.