3/10

About this artwork

Purchased with the support of the F.G. Waller-Fonds

Art Historical Context

**3/10 by Hans Liefrinck ()** Created between 1553 and 1558, *3/10* is an etching by Hans Liefr (I), a prominent Netherlandish printmaker active in Antwerp during the Northern Renaissance. Measuring 247 mm high by 187 mm wide, this work is the third in a presumed series of ten, showcasing Liefrinck's skill in producing intricate prints that bridged the gap between painting and portable art. Etching, a relatively new technique in the mid-16th century, allowed artists like Liefrinck to draw fluidly on a grounded metal plate with acid-resistant varnish, yielding soft, expressive lines that differed from the sharper incisions of traditional engraving. Liefrinck, part of a family of engravers, often drew inspiration from masters like Albrecht Dürer and Italian Renaissance motifs, contributing to Antwerp's vibrant print culture—a hub for disseminating religious, allegorical, and genre scenes across Europe. This piece exemplifies the era's technical innovation, making high-quality reproductions affordable and influential for collectors and artists alike. Acquired with support from the F.G. Waller-Fonds, *3/10* highlights the enduring value of such prints in preserving 16th-century artistry. (198 words)