Ornamental Panel 1514 - 1536

This ornamental panel was etched by Agostino Veneziano in the early 16th century, using an iron plate and acid to create a design in ink. The material has a direct impact on the image. Lines were built by repeated, skillful passes of the etching tool, allowing the artist to create depth and shadow in the monochromatic medium. Veneziano skillfully demonstrates the engraver’s art, achieving tonal variation and visual interest in the print. Prints like this were luxury commodities. While paper was increasingly available in Renaissance Europe, the labour required to create this print would have been considerable. Highly skilled engravers were prized for their ability to reproduce images accurately. This print is an example of the intense hand work that went into circulation of aesthetic ideas at the time. By appreciating the artistry, the work and the cultural context of this print, we can go beyond the conventional categories of ‘art’ and ‘craft’ and grasp the significance of works like this within a wider history of image-making and dissemination.