Popaian, from 'Game of Geography' (Jeu de la Géographie) 1644

This is ‘Popaian, from "Game of Geography"’ made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century, using etching on paper. Consider the qualities of the materials and processes involved. The printmaking technique of etching allows for finely detailed and reproducible images. It's a process that involves coating a metal plate with a waxy substance, drawing through the wax to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed, transferring the image onto paper. Now, think about the implications of this technique in the context of its time. Printmaking allowed for the wider dissemination of images, playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions of different cultures. The image shows a representation of a figure from a distant land. Notice the labor involved in the making of the artwork, from the skilled artisan producing the print to the wider social structures that enabled this cultural exchange. The choice of materials, the etching process, and the image itself all contribute to the rich meaning embedded within this artwork, inviting us to question established boundaries.