Cornelis Cort

Cornelis Cort’s tonal system—in which the swelling line is now the basic organizing mark—allows for varied textures, volumes, and spaces to work in harmony. Crossed swelled lines form lozenge shapes, whose net-like grids create dark or medium tones depending on the density of the lines (and with incredible evenness). By placing fewer crossed lines at the edges of forms and allowing more space between them, the composition retains remarkable clarity of space and form. The openness and tonal agility becomes even more pronounced in the work of Cort’s followers on this wall.

The engraving depicts the fine arts of painting, sculpture, architecture, casting, and engraving. All benefit from drawing and the study of anatomy represented by the specimens at left. All of the arts operate under the figure of Rome (“ROMA”). Engraving (“Typorum aeneorum incisoria”) is placed prominently at the lower right. The engraver is shown moving the copperplate underneath the weight of the burin, while another burin rests on the table along with a pair of magnifying spectacles and a cloth. A print hangs from the table’s open drawer.