Gesprek bij een fontein before 1752

David Coster made this print, "Gesprek bij een fontein," sometime around the early 18th century. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper. Look closely, and you can see how the artist manipulated the etching needle to create different effects. Delicate, closely-spaced lines define the figures and architecture, while coarser marks describe the foliage. The varying weight of these lines gives depth and texture to the scene. Prints like this one were made to be reproduced, and often ended up in books or as individual illustrations. Think about the labor involved: not just Coster’s artistry, but the work of the printer, and the system of distribution that allowed these images to circulate widely. It highlights the democratization of images during this time. By focusing on the physical processes and broader context of printmaking, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this seemingly simple scene.