Madonna and Child 1550 - 1600

Battista Angolo del Moro made this print, "Madonna and Child", using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the Renaissance. Etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. This is then transferred to paper under pressure, resulting in a reversed image. Look closely, and you'll see how the crisp, precise lines give the print its distinctive graphic quality. While seemingly straightforward, etching required skill and specialized knowledge, connecting it to craft traditions. The resulting prints were relatively affordable and could be widely distributed, playing a vital role in disseminating artistic ideas and religious imagery across Europe. This print exemplifies how artistic creation was increasingly intertwined with modes of production and consumption in early modern society, bridging the gap between artistic expression and wider social accessibility.