Partial View of a Building [Templum Isaiae Prophetae] from the series 'Ruinarum variarum fabricarum delineationes pictoribus caeterisque id genus artificibus multum utiles' 1554

This print, “Partial View of a Building” by Lambert Suavius, was made using engraving, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the precision of the lines, creating a detailed architectural scene. The material and process here – metal, ink, paper, and the skilled hand of the engraver – come together to form the image. Engraving allowed for the mass production of images, making art and information more accessible in the 16th century. Consider the labor involved in creating each print, from the mining of the metal to the intricate work of the engraver. This print isn't just a piece of art; it’s a product of its time, reflecting the rise of print culture and the evolving relationship between art, labor, and consumption. Appreciating the materiality and making of this artwork brings us closer to understanding its cultural and social significance.