Title Page 1619

Melchior Lorck produced this title page in 1575 using woodcut and engraving, two distinct printmaking processes. Woodcut, the older technique, involves carving an image into a block of wood, while engraving uses a tool called a burin to incise lines directly onto a metal plate. The contrast between these methods is evident in the print’s details. Woodcut produces bold, graphic forms, seen here in the surrounding foliage, while engraving allows for finer lines and tonal variations. Look closely at the portrait of Lorck himself, the delicate lines create depth and texture in his face and clothing. These printing techniques demanded different skills and tools, reflecting a division of labor common in print workshops of the time. Woodcutting was often considered a more craft-based skill, while engraving was associated with artistic refinement. By combining these processes, Lorck blurred the lines between craft and fine art, elevating printmaking to a sophisticated form of visual expression. Appreciating the materials, making, and cultural context helps us to understand its full meaning.