Maria met kind 1500 - 1550

This tiny print, Maria met kind, was made by an artist known only as Monogrammist NSN. It's an etching, a type of printmaking where acid is used to corrode the metal printing plate, creating delicate lines. The real artistry here lies in the control of the etchant, and the labor-intensive process of repeatedly coating the plate with wax, drawing through it, and then immersing it in acid. You can see the impact of this process in the close-packed, almost frantic lines, a kind of mechanized hatching which builds up dense areas of shadow, bringing depth to the image. This print represents a shift in art production, one where images could be more easily reproduced and disseminated, and it also highlights the skilled labor involved in creating these detailed works. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images are the result of complex material processes and human effort. This piece challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, reminding us of the artistry inherent in reproductive techniques.