Asia 1575

Etienne Delaune created this print, titled ‘Asia,’ using engraving, a process that demands precision and control. A design is incised into a metal plate, typically copper, and then ink is applied to the grooves. The surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. Consider the sharp, delicate lines that define the figure and animals. The engraver’s skill is evident in the textures he creates. The contrast between light and shadow gives depth to the scene, almost as if we could reach out and touch the lion's mane or the camel's shaggy coat. This image isn't just a representation, it is an artifact of skilled labor. The medium of printmaking allowed images like this to circulate widely, fueling European fantasies about the world beyond their borders. This reflects both the beauty of craft and the complexities of commerce and cultural exchange in the 16th century.