Personificatie van Matigheid (Temperantia) c. 1569

Etienne Delaune made this small print, 'Personificatie van Matigheid', using engraving techniques. It's printed on paper, a relatively inexpensive material, and as a multiple, would have been accessible to a broad audience. The method of engraving is crucial to understanding the artwork. Delaune would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. The fineness of these lines gives the image its remarkable detail, especially considering its tiny size. This demands incredible skill and precision, representing hours of focused labor. But what does this have to do with the concept of temperance? Well, consider the etymology: temperance refers to the careful mixing of ingredients, or the tempering of steel. It’s about judicious control. Here, Delaune's mastery of the engraving process mirrors this virtue, as he exercises moderation and control over his tools and materials. So, the next time you encounter a print like this, remember that the materials, the making, and the context are all intertwined, challenging our notions of art and craft.