Fontein op het Sivada plein te Madrid 1694 - 1737

This print, "Fontein op het Sivada plein te Madrid," was made by Pieter van den Berge. The printmaking process itself bears consideration. This wasn't merely a case of creative inspiration; the artist had to be deeply involved in the labor-intensive stages of etching, and the application of color, each requiring specific skills and knowledge. The lines are all uniform, and each color laid in carefully, to bring this square in Madrid to life. The material qualities of the print - the paper, the inks, the precision of the etched lines - all speak to the printmaker's skill in manipulating the copperplate to achieve the final result. It is through the mastery of these traditional techniques that van den Berge has imbued this artwork with a sense of place and time. Looking closely at the final product, we can appreciate the labor and the artistry involved, challenging the notion that only painting or sculpture can convey profound artistic meaning.