Gezicht op de Grote Kerk in Veere, Zeeland before 1915

This is a photogravure made by an anonymous artist, depicting the Grote Kerk in Veere, Zeeland. Photogravure is a printing process that combines photography and etching, creating rich, detailed images. The process begins with a copper plate, coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. This is exposed to a photographic positive, hardening the gelatin in proportion to the light received. The plate is then etched in an acid bath; the acid bites more deeply where the gelatin is thinner, creating an image in relief. Ink is applied, and the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The resulting print has a velvety texture, with subtle tonal variations. The image is incredibly detailed, capturing the grandeur of the architecture. The photogravure process, with its blend of craft and technology, elevates the image. It reminds us that all images are made, not simply taken, reflecting human labor and ingenuity.