Fries met putti 1768 - 1786

This print, titled "Fries met putti," was made anonymously using the intaglio process. The design is created through the use of thin lines incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Ink is then applied to the plate and wiped off the surface, remaining only in the engraved lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely at the image, and you can see the slight burr of the lines. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through this meticulous process. Each line represents a deliberate action, demanding precision and skill. The print's purpose, likely decorative or as a model for other artisans, highlights the crucial role of prints in disseminating artistic ideas and styles. The print straddles the line between fine art and craft, demonstrating how these categories have often been artificially separated. The artistry lies not only in the design but also in the mastery of the printmaking process.