Venus and Adonis 1560 - 1600

This print, "Venus and Adonis," was made by Johann Sadeler I around the turn of the 17th century, using a technique called engraving. Look closely, and you'll see that the image is composed of thousands of tiny etched lines. The magic of engraving lies in its capacity to convey a whole world of tonal variation, all from a single material, ink on paper. The linear quality lends itself to narrative, perfect for illustrating the drama of classical mythology. But it’s also important to remember the immense amount of labor involved. Each line had to be physically inscribed into a metal plate, a task requiring enormous skill and patience. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive and widely circulated at the time. So, in a way, this work speaks to the dawn of mass media – the making of images, not just as unique artistic statements, but as a form of visual communication for a growing public. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple materials can carry complex cultural significance.