Plattegronden en gezichten op Griekse forten, 1726 1726

This detailed page of Greek forts, dating to 1726, was made with ink on paper using an engraving process. The sharp lines and precise details resulted from the engraver’s skilled use of tools to carve an image into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed, pressing the image onto paper. The uniformity and replicability of the printing process allowed for broad dissemination of visual information during this period, standardizing maps and views. These plans and views of Greek forts were not created as art, but as instruments of power. They are utilitarian in their purpose, intended for military or administrative use. Yet, the engraver's expertise imbues the images with a cool, precise beauty. The technique employed is inseparable from the social context. By focusing on the labor and skill involved in creating this image, we can appreciate the artistry embedded within these seemingly functional forms. The page reminds us to look beyond traditional definitions of art and consider the broader cultural significance of images created through skilled processes.