Snoek, baars, zeelt en een kikker 1600 - 1638

Pierre Firens made this print of a tench, a perch, a pike, and a frog around the early 17th century, using the intaglio process of etching. The image starts its life as a prepared metal plate, likely copper or zinc, and the design is bitten into the surface with acid, allowing for the creation of fine, detailed lines. The etcher carefully manipulates light and shadow, delineating the scales and forms of the fish. There’s something to be said for the relationship between this technique and the wider rise of scientific observation at this time. Just as a scientist would take notes, Firens has carefully studied these specimens. The image shows the amount of labor it takes to produce the print, and speaks to the growth of a commercial visual culture at this time. Looking closely at this print, we can see the intersection of artistic skill, scientific curiosity, and the commercial realities of the era. It challenges our traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, offering insights into the making process.