Gezicht op Trier 1829 - 1880

This print, "Gezicht op Trier", was created by an anonymous artist, using a combination of engraving and etching. These are printmaking techniques that rely on incising an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The fine lines and detailed textures you see here are the result of this process. Consider the amount of labor involved in creating such a piece, from the initial design to the skilled handwork of the engraving. It’s easy to overlook the human effort behind mass-produced images, yet this print is a testament to the engraver's skill, and the wider role of reproductive prints within the art world. Prints like this one served as a means of disseminating views of cities to a broad audience, which in turn fuels our understanding of commerce and communication at the time. Appreciating the materials, making and context allows us to better understand its meaning.