Gezicht op Rotterdam 1755 - 1762

This print of Rotterdam was made by Jacques Bacheley sometime in the 18th century. It's a subtle piece, made using a printmaking technique, probably etching or engraving, that allows for fine lines and detailed textures. Think about the labor involved. The artist would have meticulously cut into a metal plate, creating grooves that hold ink. This is a slow, deliberate process, far removed from the immediacy of painting. The resulting print, with its monochromatic palette and delicate gradations of tone, offers a snapshot of a bustling port city. The choice of printmaking is significant, too. Prints were relatively inexpensive and could be widely distributed. In this way, Bacheley's view of Rotterdam could reach a broad audience, contributing to a shared sense of place and civic identity. This was a society on the cusp of industrialization, and the print serves as a reminder of the hand skills still very much in play. We shouldn’t forget that the means of production always have a social context, and the subtle textures of this print offer a unique perspective on a moment in time.