Madonna met kind 1618 - 1655

This print of the Madonna and Child was made by Cornelis Schut, a Flemish artist, using the etching technique. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then drawing through this layer to expose the metal. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred, creating the print. The success of the printmaking depended on skilled labor and the accessibility of materials like metal plates, acid, and printing presses. The image displays the beauty and intimacy of the subject matter through the precise and repeatable nature of the etching process, making it accessible to a wider audience. This artwork encourages us to consider how it reflects the interplay between artistic skill, technological processes, and cultural values.