Vrouw met passer en Cicero in gesprek met soldaat 1690

This print, made by an anonymous artist, depicts a woman with a compass and Cicero in conversation with a soldier. It was created using the intaglio process, where lines are incised into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then transferred to paper under high pressure. The resulting image is defined by a network of fine lines that create a sense of depth, texture, and tone. The quality of the line is paramount here; the printmaker skillfully modulated the thickness and density of the lines to define form and create areas of light and shadow. Notice the intricate details of the architecture, clothing, and facial expressions. Printmaking in this era was deeply intertwined with the rise of capitalism. It enabled the mass production of images, facilitating the spread of ideas and information. It also speaks to the division of labor, with specialized artisans responsible for different stages of the process, from design to engraving to printing. The very existence of this print underscores the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.