De dood van Camillus in de strijd tussen Grieken en Romeinen 1591

Antonio Tempesta made this print of the death of Camillus sometime before 1630, using etching and engraving techniques. These methods involve covering a metal plate with a waxy ground, scratching an image into it, and then using acid to bite the exposed lines. Engraving would then allow him to create finer details. The result is this incredibly intricate depiction of a chaotic battle scene. Prints like this were essentially a form of mass production. The etching and engraving process allowed for the creation of multiple identical images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. This had a profound impact on the consumption of art, as it became less of a unique, precious object and more of a reproducible commodity. So, when we look at this print, we're not just seeing a historical scene, but also the impact of early capitalism on artistic production. It’s a reminder that art is always embedded in the social and economic conditions of its time.