Liggende stier met een slakkenhuis als achterlijf 1573 - 1610

This is a print made by Christoph Jamnitzer, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th century. It's called "Liggende stier met een slakkenhuis als achterlijf," which translates to "Reclining bull with a snail shell as hindquarters." Engraving is a meticulous, labor-intensive process, demanding precision and control. Using a tool called a burin, the artist would incise lines directly into a copper plate, the depth and spacing of which determined the tonality and texture of the final print. The plate would then be inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, paper was pressed against the plate, transferring the image. This particular print demonstrates Jamnitzer's mastery of the technique, showcasing an intricate design featuring grotesque figures and elaborate ornamentation. It is a virtuoso display, perfectly suited to the highly skilled metalworkers of his era, who would have used prints like this as inspiration for their own creations. It shows that even a utilitarian object can embody tremendous artistry.