Twee veelvlakken met een kegel als uitgangspunt 1568

These two polyhedra with a cone as a starting point, were etched by Jost Amman sometime in the late 16th century. These weren't traditional art materials like paint or marble, but a metal plate and acid, used to create an image that could be reproduced many times over. Take a close look: the image presents two variations on a cone, built from stacked geometric elements. The one to the left is constructed of solid cubes, while the right-hand cone has an open, architectural quality. Amman was a prolific printmaker, who made his living in the publishing industry. The image, rendered with exacting detail, speaks to the burgeoning culture of engineering and design during the Renaissance. It's a demonstration of technical skill, yes, but also a clever exploration of form. Considering Amman’s broader practice helps us to see how this precise print challenged hierarchies of knowledge and skill during its time, and even today.