Sibylle de Cumes 1630 - 1640

This print of the Sibyl of Cumae was made by Gilles Rousselet in the 17th century, using the technique of engraving. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean, so that the ink remains only in the incisions. The pressure of the printing press forces the paper into these fine lines, picking up the ink and creating the image. Look closely, and you’ll see how the varying depths and densities of these engraved lines create tone, texture, and form. The skilled labor required for engraving was considerable, yet prints like this one were relatively inexpensive and widely available. This reflects the rise of a print market in the 17th century, where access to images was no longer limited to the wealthy. The scale of production and the distribution networks, were key factors in popularizing imagery like this. By understanding these material and social contexts, we can appreciate the significance of prints like this one.