Achilles dragging the body of Hector around the walls of Troy 1630 - 1650

Pietro Testa made this print of Achilles dragging Hector around the walls of Troy in the mid-17th century. It’s made with etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then filled with ink and pressed onto paper. The real artistry here is in the control of the etching process. Note the fineness of the lines, and the way they create volume and shadow. To achieve this, Testa would have needed tremendous skill in preparing the plate and timing the acid bath. This was not just a reproductive technique, but a highly refined craft. Of course, it also represents a social reality: a world of skilled labor and specialized knowledge. The making of this print testifies to the expertise of the artist, and the value placed on his work. It’s a reminder that even in the age of mechanical reproduction, human skill remains central.