Sater op een voetstuk 1573 - 1610

This etching, ‘Satyr on a pedestal,’ was made by Christoph Jamnitzer around the turn of the 17th century, using the intaglio printmaking process. Here, a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, has been incised with lines to create an image. This was achieved using a sharp tool to physically cut into the metal. The plate was then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred, creating the print you see before you. Note the quality of the engraved lines, which are extremely fine and appear with great precision and clarity. With this technique, Jamnitzer could produce multiple copies of his design. Remember, the significance of this print lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the skilled labor and technical processes required to create it. This engraving showcases the dynamic between artistry and craftsmanship.