Jupiter, zittend op zijn adelaar met bliksemschichten in de hand 1551 - 1580

René Boyvin made this print of Jupiter in the mid-16th century. Look closely and you’ll see it was created through engraving, a meticulous intaglio process of incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The material qualities of the metal plate profoundly influence the image. The sharp, precise lines create a graphic style that lends itself to intricate detail and allegorical imagery. This reflects the engraver’s skill and the labor-intensive nature of the process. Each line represents hours of focused work, a testament to the artisan’s dedication and the economic value placed on such craftsmanship during the Renaissance. Boyvin was one of many artists who disseminated classical imagery through printmaking. Because they were relatively inexpensive to produce, prints made art accessible to a wider audience, thereby contributing to cultural exchange, and the rise of a market for decorative prints.