The copper engraving technique was probably applied first around 1420/1430 in the area of Southern Germany. The art historical meaning of copper engraving is based on the fast expansion of image ideas and motives in the European area due to the relatively low cost reproduction technique. The first meaningful copper engraver was Martin Schongauer. Yet like the woodcut was Albrecht Dürer, who revolutionized the art of engraving and perfection.