The First Wise Virgin n.d.

This engraving of the ‘First Wise Virgin’ was created by Martin Schongauer in the late fifteenth century, using the meticulous technique of metal engraving. Schongauer incised the image into a copper plate, which would then be inked and printed, line by painstaking line. Consider the skill and labor required to produce this small, yet richly detailed image. Note the undulating lines defining the folds of the virgin’s dress and the delicate curls of her hair. The texture and weight of the image speak to the immense precision of the artist's hand, as well as his mastery of the burin, the tool with which he cut the metal. Engravings like this one were luxury items, but the advent of printmaking democratized image production, transforming not only the art world but also the wider social landscape. By considering the material process, we gain a new appreciation for the cultural impact of this artwork.