Torchlight Procession at the Modena Carrousel 1652

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Torchlight Procession at the Modena Carrousel" using etching, a printmaking technique that involves using acid to cut into a metal plate. The fine lines you see were achieved by drawing through a waxy ground applied to the plate, then immersing it in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then wiped clean, and the ink is transferred to paper under high pressure, resulting in a mirror image of the original design. Consider the skill involved in crafting such a detailed image through this indirect process. Note how the lines vary in thickness and depth, creating a sense of light, shadow, and movement. The procession almost seems to flicker with the light from the torches. This print wasn't just a picture; it was a carefully crafted object, requiring both technical expertise and artistic vision. It underscores the value placed on skilled handwork in a pre-industrial age, where artistry and labor were closely intertwined.