Perspectief 1528 - 1583

This is ‘Perspectief,’ a print made in the 16th century by Etienne Delaune. It’s an etching, meaning that the artist coated a metal plate with wax, drew this intricate composition through the wax to expose the metal, then bathed the plate in acid. The acid bit into the metal only where exposed, leaving an incised design that could then be inked and printed. Look closely and you can see the remarkable detail Delaune achieved. Perspective was a hot topic at this time, a kind of technological wonder that artists used to create realistic illusions. Note the figure is shown amidst drafting tools. But also see how Delaune has bordered this figure with ornament: strange, fantastical hybrids of plant, animal, and architectural forms. These weren't just decorative add-ons, but an integral part of the artistic process. They reflect the skill, labor and aesthetic sensibility that Delaune brought to his craft. This etching demonstrates that even something as seemingly technical as perspective is rooted in human creativity and culture.