Bruiloft van Amor en Psyche c. 1530 - 1560

This print, made by the Master of the Die, depicts The Wedding of Cupid and Psyche. It’s an engraving, meaning that the design was cut into a metal plate, likely copper, using a tool called a burin. The engraver would have painstakingly carved lines into the plate; these would hold the ink, which would then be transferred to paper. Notice how the density of the lines creates areas of light and shadow, giving the image its depth and form. This was a highly skilled process, demanding precision and control. The fine lines create a sense of texture, from the folds of the drapery to the clouds beneath the figures. Prints like this were relatively accessible, allowing for the wide distribution of images and ideas. It is important to note that in its own way printmaking is a form of mass production. This allowed the circulation of classical stories such as this one, which could be enjoyed by a broad audience.