Saint Jerome in His Study c. 1510

This engraving of Saint Jerome in His Study was made around 1500 by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia. It is printed on paper, likely using an intaglio process, where the image is incised into a metal plate, then filled with ink and pressed onto the page. Look closely, and you can see how the varying weight of line creates depth and shadow. The textures of the saint's robes, beard, and the lion's mane are delicately described. The print medium itself played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge during the Renaissance. It allowed for the mass production of images and texts, making them accessible to a wider audience. Consider the labor involved in creating this print. It demanded skilled craftsmanship, not only in the engraving of the plate, but also in the preparation of the paper and ink. It speaks to the changing social landscape of the time, where new technologies intersected with traditional artistic practices, influencing artistic styles. By examining the materials, processes, and social context of this print, we can move beyond traditional art history and explore the rich connections between art, craft, and design.