Christ on the Mount of Olives, from the Circular Passion 1509

Lucas van Leyden created this print, Christ on the Mount of Olives, sometime in the early 16th century, using the intaglio technique of engraving. This process involved meticulously incising lines into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. The very act of engraving, with its controlled pressure and precise movements, allowed van Leyden to create an image of incredible detail. Notice the delicate rendering of textures, from the soft folds of Christ's robes to the rough surfaces of the rocks. The circular format, a conscious design choice, encloses the scene like a small, precious world. The labor is evident, not just in the density of lines but also in the artist's mastery of the medium. Van Leyden elevated printmaking to an art form, moving it beyond a mere reproductive process. This work invites us to appreciate the skill and time that went into its creation, and to consider the print as a valuable object in its own right, rather than simply a vehicle for religious narrative.