Prudence 1511 - 1521

This engraving of Prudence was made by Agostino Veneziano in the early 16th century. The print was made by meticulously cutting lines into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. After the plate was inked, it would have been pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Notice the striking detail of the figures and drapery. The network of etched lines creates gradations of light and shadow. Veneziano was part of a workshop that disseminated popular designs throughout Europe, so the print enabled the wide circulation of imagery. The production of these prints, and the labor it entailed, meant that art, and even the concept of virtue, could be made accessible to a broader audience than ever before. The quality of the print speaks to the skill of the engraver, while its very existence speaks to a growing culture of commerce and consumption. Ultimately, understanding the materials and production processes allows us to appreciate the role of prints in shaping visual culture.