Saint Francis of Assisi praying before a crucifix, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints) 1495 - 1532

Marcantonio Raimondi made this tiny engraving of Saint Francis in Italy sometime in the early 16th century. To create it, he would have used a tool called a burin to manually cut lines into a copper plate. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density of these lines creates areas of shadow and light, giving form to the figure of Saint Francis and the surrounding landscape. Engraving is a laborious, highly skilled process, demanding both precision and artistry. The rise of printmaking in the Renaissance was closely tied to the development of capitalism. Engravings like this one could be produced in multiples and sold to a wide audience, democratizing access to images and ideas. Raimondi himself was one of the first to understand the commercial potential of printmaking, reproducing the designs of other artists, like Raphael, and building a thriving business. So, when you look at this small, devotional image, remember that it's also a product of a changing world, where art and commerce were becoming increasingly intertwined. It reminds us to look closely at the materials, the making, and the context, challenging traditional distinctions between art and craft.