Portret van humanist Carolus Sigonius 1702 - 1764

This print of Carolus Sigonius was made by Francesco Zucchi in the 1700s. It’s made using engraving, a printmaking technique where an image is cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. This process requires immense skill and precision. Engraving was closely tied to the rise of capitalism. It allowed for the mass production of images, fueling the spread of knowledge and ideas. The sharp, clean lines we see here were achieved through the engraver's careful handwork, cutting away at the metal to create a network of lines that hold ink. The texture and tonal range are remarkable, created solely through the density and direction of the engraved lines. Zucchi likely trained for years to master this technique. Looking at this print, it's easy to forget the labor involved in its creation. The artist worked with a burin to manually cut into the metal plate. Appreciating the skill and effort that went into this work allows us to move beyond traditional art historical categories and value the artistry inherent in craft.