Heilige Sebastiaan met boogschutters 1475 - 1480

This small print, *Saint Sebastian with Archers,* was made by the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet. Using the meticulous technique of drypoint, a sharp needle was used to scratch directly into the copper plate to create a dense mesh of lines. This process is fundamentally different from engraving where the lines are cut into the metal. The drypoint method gives a velvety appearance to the figures, softening the grimness of the scene. This is due to the ink held by the burr, a ridge of metal thrown up by the needle. Look closely at the archers, their clothing, and musculature, all carefully described. The social context here is one of skilled labor. Printmaking in the 15th century was a crucial technology, allowing images to be disseminated widely and cheaply. This, in turn, expanded the possibilities for cultural and political exchange. While this print presents a singular scene, its true impact lies in its role within the broader development of visual communication.