Achilles onderwezen door Chiron 1679

This print of Achilles being taught by Chiron was made by Franz Ertinger in the late 17th century. Its fine lines and detailed shading are the product of the engraving process, where an image is incised into a metal plate, and then printed. The medium is crucial to understanding the work, as it was an essential tool for disseminating knowledge. Engravings like this one allowed classical stories to be shared widely. The depicted scene speaks to a specific kind of education: Chiron, a centaur known for his wisdom, tutors the young Achilles in the arts and sciences, while they are surrounded by musical instruments, and hunting tools. Ertinger’s print is a testament to the power of printmaking in spreading classical knowledge and shaping cultural values. It reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics; it is deeply intertwined with the social and cultural contexts in which it is made and consumed.