Gezicht op de abdij van Leffe bij Dinant 1738 - 1744

Curator: This is a print entitled "Gezicht op de abdij van Leffe bij Dinant," or "View of the Abbey of Leffe near Dinant." It was created anonymously sometime between 1738 and 1744, and made using engraving on paper. Editor: Instantly, I'm struck by the serenity, a certain quietude about the scene. The texture of the engraving gives it almost a silvery quality. What can you tell me about this Leffe Abbey and the context of this landscape? Curator: Well, the Abbey itself is front and center, built next to what seems to be the Meuse river, the social organization, with agricultural elements going up the hill, suggests a thriving, self-sufficient community. Think of the printmaking process as it existed in the 18th century—these were produced not just as art objects but as documents. Editor: Documents, yes! The precision needed for the detailed brickwork of the Abbey, the trees so carefully rendered...it really conveys a sense of place and purpose, doesn't it? I can almost hear the distant murmur of the monks and workers as I wander across it with my eyes. There’s a certain truth being captured through reproducible means. Curator: Precisely. It speaks to the function of prints as visual records that were widely distributed and consumed. Look at how printmaking, specifically engraving, democratized this 'view.' Many would only ever experience the Abbey through reproductions such as these. It removes the aura of a painting, an singular piece. Editor: So true! The labor intensiveness of the etching emphasizes what mass production does to traditional practices. And to have it feature this particular scene. The architecture has such lovely angles, I mean imagine trying to capture it all through hand and metal, and acid! There's also a charm and warmth because this isn't simply an idealized painting of beauty—instead the everyday elements ground you. Curator: Exactly, it also reminds me to consider the role these images played in shaping perceptions of the landscape, influencing tourism, and even contributing to debates about land use and ownership. This image helps illustrate how cultural values of work intersect within a natural scene. Editor: So this isn't just about the view but it is an artifact that encapsulates the production, experience, and ownership of seeing it too, yes? Curator: Yes. Editor: Well, thinking about that, I look at it anew—with a more complete perspective. Thanks.