Laurvigske (nu Moltkes) Palæ 1740s

J.N. Schrøder made this print of Laurvigske Palace in the mid-18th century. It's an etching, meaning the artist used acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. Prints like this were relatively efficient to produce, which accounts for their popularity as documents of wealth and status. Notice the sharp lines and fine details. These would have required careful work, revealing the hand skills that are so easily overlooked in printmaking. The image is of a grand estate, complete with manicured lawns and decorative flourishes. But consider the labor required to produce this scene: from the building’s construction to the landscaping, not to mention the work involved in the print itself. By implication, the print speaks of power, class, and consumption. Next time you look at a print, consider not just the image, but the process and social context that brought it into being. It offers a more complete understanding of the artwork.