Gezicht op het San Marcoplein in Venetië 1636 - 1691

This print, depicting the San Marco Square in Venice, was made by Israel Silvestre in the 17th century, using the technique of etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a 'ground'. The artist then draws through this ground with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are 'bitten', creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the inked image. The character of the etched line – precise yet delicate – profoundly influences the image. The process allowed Silvestre to capture the architectural details and the bustling life of the square with remarkable clarity. It also enabled the relatively easy reproduction of images, making views like this accessible to a wider audience, thus fueling the burgeoning tourism industry and the market for souvenirs. So, while this print may seem like a simple depiction, it's deeply embedded in the social and economic currents of its time.