The Angel shows Saint John the Fountain of Living Water, from the Apocalypse 1480 - 1570

Jean Duvet made this engraving, "The Angel shows Saint John the Fountain of Living Water, from the Apocalypse," in the 1500s. It's a print, which means that the image wasn't drawn directly onto the paper. Instead, Duvet used a metal plate, carving lines into its surface, inking it, and then pressing it onto the paper. Consider the tremendous skill and labor involved in this process. Each line, each figure, had to be carefully etched into the metal. Look closely and you can see how the density and direction of these lines create shading and texture, bringing the scene to life. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating ideas during the Renaissance. They were relatively affordable compared to paintings, making art and knowledge accessible to a wider audience. In this way, Duvet’s masterful technique served not only artistic expression but also a broader social purpose. By understanding the process, we can better appreciate the skill, the meaning, and the social context of this remarkable work.