Prints and their makers: essays on engravers and etchers old and modern

A rich tapestry of art history unfolds in this collection of essays, guiding listeners through the evolution of engraving and etching from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Beginning with a close look at a mysterious portrait once linked to Leonardo da Vinci, the book invites you to consider the delicate line work and the hands that may have shaped it, setting the tone for a journey across centuries of printmaking mastery.

The subsequent chapters explore a wide array of artists—Dürer’s meticulous woodcuts, the dramatic landscapes of Rembrandt, the architectural fantasies of Piranesi, and the bold visions of Goya and Fortuny—each illuminated by vivid reproductions. Interwoven with thoughtful commentary on technique, patronage, and the personal quirks of figures like Seymour Haden, the essays reveal how prints have both reflected and shaped cultural moments. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmen behind the images and the enduring allure of the printed page.