Twee zwevende putti met een krans van bladeren 1735 - 1800

This print of two floating putti with a wreath of leaves was made by Giovanni Cattini in the 18th century. The image is made with etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then filled with ink and pressed onto paper. The network of fine lines you see is no accident. It’s the result of skilled labor. Each line had to be carefully drawn through a protective coating to expose the metal, a time consuming process. The acid bath then bites into the metal, creating grooves that hold the ink. Look at the details – the musculature of the figures, the texture of the leaves. This wasn’t just a mechanical reproduction. It was a handcrafted image, where the artist’s skill and labor are etched directly into the plate. This print is a testament to the artist's vision. The making process itself becomes part of the image's story. It reminds us to value not just the final product, but the work and expertise that goes into bringing it to life.