An Aged Soldier and An Aged Lover Are Sad Sights, from "Mascarades" 1597

This etching by Robert Boissard, from around 1600, is made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The material qualities of the print are crucial; the stark contrast between the black lines and the white paper creates a dramatic effect. The lines themselves vary in thickness and density, giving the image texture and depth. Boissard’s skill lies in manipulating these lines to convey the characters' ages and social status through their clothes. The printmaking process allowed for mass production, making images more accessible to a wider audience, reflecting emerging capitalist modes of production. The skilled labor involved highlights the value placed on craftsmanship, even in a time of industrial change. Looking closely at this print, we can appreciate the materials, the making process, and the social context in which it was created, blurring traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.