Landschap met bivak 1648 - 1672

This landscape with encampment was made by Albert Flamen using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 17th century. The process involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into the wax, and then submerging the plate in acid, which bites away the exposed lines. Ink is then applied to the etched lines, and the image transferred to paper with a printing press. Consider the labor involved. From the work of the artist in drafting and etching the design, to the work of the press in producing countless copies, etching allowed for the mass production of images, fueling a growing consumer culture. The resulting fine lines create intricate details that capture the scene's bustling atmosphere. The choice of etching speaks to a shift in artistic production, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry, reflecting the changing social landscape of the time.