Venus vraagt Amor om een pijl naar Pluto te schieten c. 1636 - 1670

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger created this print, "Venus asks Amor to shoot an arrow at Pluto," sometime in the 17th century. It’s made using the intaglio process, where an image is incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink to be transferred to paper. Look closely and you’ll notice that the stark contrast achieved through the engraving helps to tell the story. It emphasizes the dynamic interaction between Venus and Cupid, sharply set against the softness of the landscape. The technique itself is labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to translate ideas into physical form. Each line is carefully etched, a testament to the engraver's dedication. It is worth considering how prints like these played a role in circulating ideas and imagery in a pre-digital age, effectively democratizing art. They made art accessible to wider audiences and blurred the lines between craft, art, and industry.