Jacht op leeuwen 1595

Antonio Tempesta created this print, “Lion Hunt,” using etching, a technique known for its precise lines. The process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer. The artist then scratches through this layer, exposing the metal. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the metal, allowing for incredibly detailed images. The material qualities of etching lends this piece a dramatic flair. Notice how the stark, contrasting lines capture the dynamic scene of a lion hunt. The precision allows for intricate details in the hunters’ clothing, the horses' musculature, and the lions' ferocity. Etching was a commercial medium, meaning that multiple prints of an image could be created to disseminate information widely. In this way, Tempesta not only demonstrates technical skill, but also engages with the burgeoning print market and its power to circulate ideas about culture and conflict.