Mars tussen Victoria en Minerva 1551 - 1580

This print, "Mars Between Victoria and Minerva," was made around 1579 by René Boyvin, using an engraving technique. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. The plate is then inked, and the ink is carefully wiped from the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image transfers, creating a print with a characteristic crispness and precision. The intricate details, from the musculature of Mars to the ornate weaponry, highlight Boyvin's skill and the labor-intensive nature of the engraving process. Each line represents a deliberate act, reflecting the engraver's meticulous control over the medium. This print speaks to the hierarchies inherent in 16th-century production. Boyvin would have required significant training to achieve this level of technical mastery. By understanding the material and processes involved, we gain insight into the cultural values placed on skill, labor, and artistic expression during this period.