Gezicht op het Huis Poelenburg bij Heemskerk, 1725 1739

Hendrik Spilman made this print of the Poelenburg House near Heemskerk in 1725. The printmaking process is fascinating, and in this case was achieved using an engraving technique. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a copper plate. Consider the sheer labor involved. Every single line you see here, defining the architecture, the trees, even the clouds, was painstakingly incised by hand. The depth and density of these lines create the tonal variations, giving the image its sense of light and shadow. This print wasn't just about depicting a grand house. It was about making that image reproducible. Prints like this circulated widely, playing a vital role in shaping public perceptions and promoting social status. The artistry lies not only in Spilman's skill, but also in the way this print participates in a larger system of image production and distribution. The image gives us a glimpse into the culture of 18th-century Netherlands.