Peruaanse begrafenisrituelen 1722

This print, "Peruaanse begrafenisrituelen," was made by Bernard Picart, likely in the early 18th century, using an engraving technique. The fine lines were achieved by cutting into a metal plate, a labor-intensive process demanding a high degree of skill. The print depicts the funeral rites of Peruvian nobles, showing the various stages of mourning and burial. Notice the sharp contrast between light and shadow, achieved by carefully controlled cuts into the metal, creating depth and drama. The materiality of the printmaking process mirrors the social context it depicts. The labor of the artist, etching the plate, echoes the labor of those performing the funeral rites. Picart never visited Peru. The print then, is not a faithful record but rather a projection, based on colonial accounts. By focusing on the print’s production, we can understand the role it played in shaping European perceptions of other cultures. This challenges the idea of "fine art" as separate from the social and historical forces that shape it.