Portret van paus Benedictus XIV 18th century

Sante Manelli made this print of Pope Benedict XIV using engraving, a process rooted in precise, skilled labor. Look closely, and you’ll see how Manelli used a tool called a burin to carve lines into a copper plate, which would then be inked and printed. Notice the texture of the lines, which create the tones and details of the portrait. The sharp, clean lines give the image its clarity and definition, and the intricacy and fineness of the engraving speaks to the artisan's mastery of the technique. Printmaking allowed for mass production and distribution of images, fueling the circulation of information and ideas. This portrait would have served to disseminate the image of Pope Benedict XIV, reinforcing his authority and presence throughout society. The labor-intensive process and the cultural significance of the image highlight the intersection of craft, design, and materiality. Paying attention to materials, making, and context is crucial to understanding the artwork's full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.