Gezicht op de ruïne van Kasteel Altena bij Almkerk 1711 - 1774

This delicate print, "View of the Ruins of Altena Castle near Almkerk," was made by Jacobus Schijnvoet using engraving, a process involving carving lines into a metal plate to hold ink. The choice of engraving is significant here. It was a popular technique for mass-producing images, allowing for the wide distribution of visual information. Notice the detail Schijnvoet achieved with simple means. The subtle gradations of tone suggest a connection to the landscape tradition, but also to the wider world of commerce, politics, and consumption. The lines of the print convey a sense of precision and control, contrasting with the ruined castle itself. Schijnvoet made many such prints, which were collected into bound volumes. In its way, this printmaking activity was as important as the imagery it conveyed. Schijnvoet wasn't just an artist, but also a businessman. He was deeply embedded in the culture of print, which has links to the social and economic changes that were sweeping Europe at the time.