Gezicht op de Oosterkerk te Rotterdam c. 1696 - 1730

Jacobus Harrewijn created this print of the Oosterkerk in Rotterdam using an etching technique. The image begins as a drawing into a waxy ground covering a metal plate. Acid then bites into the exposed lines, allowing them to hold ink. The magic of etching lies in its capacity to capture fine detail, which you can see in the architecture and the figures populating the square. But it’s more than just a picture. In the 17th and 18th centuries, prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception and civic pride. Etchings were relatively inexpensive to produce, making them accessible to a wide audience. This particular print may have been commissioned by the city or a wealthy patron, meant to showcase the city's landmarks. Consider the labor involved: from the engraver's skill to the press operator’s effort, each impression embodies human work. This etching is a document of place and a testament to the power of reproducible images in shaping cultural identity.