Kustgezicht met toren 1613 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle made this etching, titled "Coastal View with Tower," sometime in the 17th century. The printmaking process transforms the artist's design into a matrix, in this case a copper plate, from which many impressions can be pulled. The fine lines that define the tower, figures, and landscape are achieved through the careful application of acid to incised lines on the metal. This etching is a testament to the artist's technical skill in controlling the depth and width of the lines to create tone and texture. The image captures a scene of daily life, with figures engaged in various activities along the coast. The tower itself seems to stand as a symbol of human presence and perhaps even dominance over the natural landscape. Considering the context of its creation, this etching embodies a time when printmaking was instrumental in disseminating images and ideas. Recognizing the integral role of materials and making is crucial to understanding the broader impact of the artwork and challenging traditional assumptions in art history.