De boetvaardige Maria Magdalena 1793 - 1838

Angelo Bertini created this image of the penitent Mary Magdalene using a technique known as aquatint. This intaglio printmaking method, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, allowed for a wide range of tonal effects, mimicking the appearance of a wash drawing. The aquatint process involves etching a metal plate with acid, creating a textured surface that holds ink. The darker areas of the image are achieved by exposing the plate to acid for longer periods, resulting in deeper, more densely inked areas. The subtle gradations of light and shadow in Bertini's print speak to the skill involved in controlling this process. Interestingly, the print presents three different views of a sculpture. This reproductive strategy speaks to the growing popularity of sculpture during this time. Prints like this allowed a wider audience to appreciate and engage with three-dimensional artworks, collapsing the traditional hierarchy between sculpture and printmaking. It democratized access to art, making it available to a broader public beyond the confines of elite collections.