Berkelpoort in Zutphen 1858

Johannes Hilverdink created this print of the Berkelpoort in Zutphen using etching and possibly some engraving. This intaglio printmaking process involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The atmospheric perspective is beautifully achieved through the manipulation of line and tone. The weathered stonework of the Berkelpoort dominates, rendered in intricate detail that speaks to the labor-intensive nature of etching, and the labor involved in constructing the bridge itself. By the 19th century, printmaking served a broad spectrum of social functions, from fine art to mass communication. Etchings like this one catered to a growing market for picturesque views, fueling interest in travel and the preservation of historical landmarks. Consider how the artist skillfully captures the contrast between the enduring structure and its gradual decay, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the forces of nature. In appreciating this print, we acknowledge not only the artist's skill, but also the broader context of its creation, and the complex relationship between art, industry, and society.