Portret van paus Gregorius XV 1621

This print of Pope Gregory XV was made by Giovanni Maggi, likely in the early 17th century, using the intaglio process of engraving. The image is made by cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. This was a means of mass production, but it still required a great deal of hand skill. The line work here is dense and precise, and it creates a remarkable sense of depth, particularly in the Pope's face. Engraving such as this played an important role in disseminating images and ideas during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It speaks to the growing commercialization of art and the rise of a print culture. It is interesting to consider the amount of labor involved in this production process, and how it was distributed between the artist, the printer, and the publisher. By considering the materials, making, and context of this print, we can gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.