Saint Catherine of Alexandria 

Peter Paul Rubens made this image of Saint Catherine of Alexandria with etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid to hold the applied ink. The drawing has a forceful, immediate quality, full of flickering light and shadow. This energy stems from the way the etching process allows the artist to be spontaneous and gestural with the lines. Think of Rubens wielding his etching needle like a pen, freely improvising the composition. However, unlike drawing, etching allows for the image to be reproduced many times over. This was crucial in the 17th century, when the circulation of images through prints helped to spread artistic ideas and styles, while also fostering a visual culture that could be consumed by a broad audience. So, while Rubens may have had the touch of a master craftsman, this image also participates in a wider economy of labor, production, and consumption. It’s a reminder that materials, processes, and context are vital to fully grasp the meaning of the artwork, thereby challenging divisions between fine art and craft.