Gezicht op het Oude Stadhuis te Vlissingen, 1743 1747 - 1760

Jan Caspar Philips made this print of the Old Town Hall in Vlissingen in 1743, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve working into a metal plate with tools and acid, creating lines that hold ink. The incredible detail achieved speaks to Philips' skill, and the graphic language of the time. Note how the texture of the stone and the play of light across the facade are meticulously rendered. This wasn't just about documentation; it was about celebrating the built environment as a source of civic pride. Prints like this were products of a complex economy. The paper itself, the engraver's tools, the printing press—all these represent layers of labor and commerce. By choosing to depict a town hall, Philips subtly acknowledges the importance of trade to the town's identity. This print isn't just an image; it's a material record of craftsmanship and social values, blurring any line between commercial reproduction and art.