The Expulsion from Paradise 1510

Lucas van Leyden made this tiny print, *The Expulsion from Paradise*, using an engraving technique. He would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. Look closely and you’ll notice a stunning level of detail. See how the varying depths and densities of the lines create a sense of light, shadow and texture, from Adam’s fur pelt and tools to Eve’s flowing hair. This wasn’t just about illustrating a biblical story. Printmaking in the 16th century was a burgeoning industry, directly linked to the rise of capitalism. This print could be reproduced multiple times, each one a commodity traded for profit. Consider the sheer labor involved in the process. Each line meticulously etched by hand; each print carefully inked and pressed. This piece is a reminder that even in the realm of fine art, the echoes of labor, production and consumption are always present.