Anatomie van leeuwenpoot 1729

This print, Anatomie van leeuwenpoot, was made by Bernard Picart in the early 18th century. It’s an etching, meaning that the artist would have laboriously scratched away at a copper plate, line by line, to create an image that could then be inked and transferred to paper. Just imagine the skill involved! Picart had to know exactly how much pressure to apply to his burin, and how to build up areas of tone. It's a very precise process that requires intense focus. The print shows a series of studies of a lion’s paw, offering a rare chance to explore the anatomy of a lion's foot. The way the forms are described really emphasizes the weight and the texture of the subject. This print wouldn't be considered a 'fine art' piece but it's a beautiful demonstration of the rich material language that printmaking can offer, bridging the gap between art and scientific study.