Gezicht op de haven van Middelburg vanaf het land 1779 - 1787

This print, depicting the port of Middelburg, was made by Mathias de Sallieth using etching and engraving techniques. Notice the lines and textures created by the etcher's needle and the engraver's burin. These tools allowed Sallieth to translate the bustling activity of the harbor onto a flat surface. The ships, buildings, and figures are rendered with remarkable detail, giving us a glimpse into the economic life of the Dutch Golden Age. Look closely and you'll see men working, pushing wheelbarrows, and loading cargo onto the ships. This image reveals the labor and infrastructure that supported maritime trade. Through these processes, Sallieth captures the essence of a thriving port city. Considering the material and the making helps us to appreciate not only the artistry involved, but also the broader social and economic context in which it was created.