Iris before 1690

This is an image of an iris, made anonymously as a print. To create this image, the artist would have taken a metal plate and used a sharp tool to cut lines into its surface. Ink was then applied, filling the grooves, and the plate pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely and you can see the intricate network of lines that give the flower its form and texture. The artist clearly understood the plant's structure, capturing the delicate curve of the petals and the way the light plays across their surfaces. The printmaking process also makes this image part of a larger social and economic picture. Unlike a unique drawing or painting, prints can be reproduced multiple times, making them more accessible and affordable. This raises important questions about artistic value and the role of labor in creating art. In the end, this image invites us to appreciate not only the beauty of the iris, but also the skill and labor involved in bringing it to life through the art of printmaking.