Gezicht op Schoonhoven, 1630 1727 - 1733

Abraham Rademaker made this print of Schoonhoven around 1630 using etching, a printmaking process which relies on the corrosive action of acid to create an image on a metal plate. The fine lines, the precision of the architecture, and the subtle gradations in tone, all speak to the careful application of the etchant. Look closely, and you can see the burr of the metal, a testament to the physical interaction between the artist, the tool, and the plate. The artist would have painstakingly drawn through a wax coating on the metal, exposing the image before submerging it in acid. The longer the plate is exposed, the deeper and darker the lines will be, resulting in a range of tonal values when printed. This print captures a specific moment in time, documenting the urban landscape and the relationship between the town and the water. The etching process itself becomes a kind of historical record. By paying attention to the materials, the making, and the context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the craft involved.