Gezicht op Middelburg (vierde deel) 1616 - 1679

François Schillemans made this print of Middelburg sometime in the early 17th century. It’s made using the etching process, where lines are bitten into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see how the etched lines define every detail, from the distant windmill to the figures in the foreground. But what’s most interesting is how the process itself speaks to the economic life of the time. Printmaking was a crucial technology for disseminating information and images widely. This view of Middelburg, with its bustling port and prosperous merchants, reflects the growing importance of trade and commerce in the Dutch Golden Age. The print isn't just a representation of the city; it's also a product of its thriving economy. Schillemans' skill as an etcher, combined with the efficiency of the printing press, allowed for the mass production and distribution of this image, fueling a culture of visual consumption that was transforming European society. It reminds us that even a seemingly straightforward depiction of a place is deeply intertwined with the materials, making, and social context of its creation.