Sarcofaag tegen wand, met opgebaarde man 1557

This print, titled "Sarcofaag tegen wand, met opgebaarde man," was created by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum using the intaglio printmaking technique of etching. The image is made up of complex patterns of lines and tonal gradations, achieved through the careful application of acid to a prepared metal plate. This process allowed the artist to create a highly detailed and intricate design, mimicking the textures and forms of sculpture. Etching emerged during the early 16th century, as a faster and more versatile technique of printmaking than the demanding skills of the engraver’s art. This allowed for the relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of images across Europe, contributing to the growth of visual culture and knowledge sharing during the Renaissance. The materiality of this print, and the etching process through which it was created, underscores the relationship between art, craft, and the wider social context of production and consumption in the early modern period. This reminds us that these prints were not simply artistic images, but also commodities traded in the expanding markets of Europe.