Mars and Venus (Mercury and Venus?) 

This print, “Mars and Venus (Mercury and Venus?),” was made in the 1530s by the artist known as Master HL, using the technique of engraving. Lines are incised into a copper plate with a tool called a burin, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. In this case, we see the figures of classical mythology rendered with incredible detail: the texture of draped cloth, the musculature of the figures, even the wisps of hair. Look closely, and you can see how the artist varied the width and depth of the engraved lines to create a sense of light and shadow, volume and space. This print is a testament to the engraver's mastery, and to the way that technical skill can be used to create images of enduring beauty and meaning. The relatively low cost of printmaking allowed for a wider distribution of images. The image suggests the complexities of production, consumption, and the circulation of art in society.