Net en vijver om vogels te vangen 1730

This print, “Net en vijver om vogels te vangen,” was made by Bernard Picart, probably in the early 1700s. It's an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate. The crisp lines of the print, the way the artist captures light and shadow, all depend on this chemical process. The controlled corrosion creates tiny grooves that hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under pressure. Look closely, and you can see the delicate web of lines that define the landscape and the titular nets and ponds. But what I find most compelling is what the print depicts: the technology of bird-catching. The nets, ponds, and other devices are rendered with care, emphasizing the human ingenuity applied to this pursuit. So, while seemingly a fine art print, the image also serves as a manual, showcasing a set of skills and tools. It reminds us that even art can be deeply intertwined with practical knowledge, labor, and our complex relationship with the natural world.