Graphics

Mantegna was the first major painter in Italy to involve himself in printing techniques. Copperplate, which had been developed in southern Germany around 1430 made it possible to produce finer reproductions than with woodcuts, which had been used until then. Vasari described Mantegna as the decisive influence in the development of copperplate engraving in Italy. Although Mantegna was happy to experiment with the new medium, he left the reproduction of his works to professional engravers, of whose works he was highly critical. Printing enabled Mantegna to earn extra money, and to disseminate his creative inventions.

Drawing and printing were also an area where new ideas could be tried out. Albrecht Dürer, who was to be the most important graphic artist of the early 16th century, was particularly interested in Mantegna's engravings. He became acquainted with graphic works by Mantegna during his journeys to Italy, and he copied two of Mantegna's engravings, the Battle of the Sea Gods, and the Bacchanalia with a Wine Vat. These fine drawings in the Albertina, Vienna are proof of the great respect the young Dürer had for the older master, as well as testimony to the success of Mantegna's engravings.