Binnenplaats van het kasteel Tre Kronor, vanuit het oosten 1670

Jean Marot created this print of the courtyard of Tre Kronor Castle in the mid-17th century. It's made using the intaglio process, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the fine, deliberate lines define the architecture, from the imposing tower to the meticulously rendered windows. The printmaker's skill lies in controlling the depth and spacing of these lines to create a sense of light, shadow, and depth, transforming the flat surface into a convincing depiction of three-dimensional space. The act of engraving was labor-intensive, requiring both artistic skill and technical knowledge. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating architectural ideas and promoting the grandeur of royal projects. While seemingly distant from issues of labor and class, this print reminds us of the skilled artisans who brought these images and buildings into being, and the social structures that supported their work. It blurs the boundaries between fine art, craft, and the industrial processes of its time.