Amerikaanse en Nederlandse brik 1827 - 1884

This print, "Amerikaanse en Nederlandse brik," was made by Johannes Cornelis van Pappelendam in the 19th century using a technique called etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into the wax. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed metal is eaten away, creating lines that will hold ink. This process is repeated to achieve the desired depth and detail. The material qualities of the metal plate and the acid bath influence the appearance of the print. The sharpness of the lines, the texture of the paper, and the tonal variations all contribute to the final image. Prints like these circulated widely in the 1800s and were critical to trade, exploration, and the projection of global power. The depiction of ships speaks to an emerging globalized world, fueled by maritime trade and colonial expansion. Prints like these were relatively inexpensive to produce, and were integral to shaping public perceptions of this new world order.