H. Aegidius (Gillis) 1637

Michel Lasne made this print, H. Aegidius, using engraving, a process intimately tied to the rise of print culture in the 17th century. Engraving involves incising an image onto a metal plate, inking the plate, and then transferring that image to paper. Notice the crisp lines and fine details? These were achieved by using a tool called a burin to carefully cut into the copper plate. This technique allowed for a high level of precision and control, meaning that the printmaker could create a range of tonal values. This was achieved by varying the thickness and density of the lines. The printmaking process itself speaks to a burgeoning industry. Engravers like Lasne were responding to a growing demand for images, and the print medium allowed for the relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of artworks. It reflects a shift towards visual communication and a wider accessibility of art. The labour, though skilled and intensive, was aimed at producing images for a broad market. It's a far cry from singular, handcrafted artworks destined for the elite.