This Hopfer etching is an unusual early depiction of the image of the Virgin of Sorrows. Although artists connected with the goldsmith's craft had been printing engravings since at least 1446, the etching process was not used for printmaking until about 1503. The process is believed to have originated in the shop of German armor-makers, who etched designs in iron. Daniel Hopfer is thought to be the first artist to make printed etchings.

Source: News, July/August/September 1988.