Het Rondeel en Doelentoren 1727 - 1733

Abraham Rademaker made this print of Het Rondeel en Doelentoren in Amsterdam sometime between 1675 and 1735. Rademaker was a draughtsman and printmaker, and this artwork exemplifies the craft of etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. Looking closely, you can see how the etched lines define the architecture and give texture to the water and sky. This method demanded meticulous labor, with each line carefully placed to build up the image, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the period. Prints like this were part of a booming industry, reflecting Amsterdam’s status as a center of trade and culture. They circulated widely, making views of the city accessible to many. By focusing on the labor and social context embedded in this print, we can appreciate the rich history that transcends conventional categories of art.