Wonderbare visvangst c. 1550 - 1650

This print, called "Wonderbare visvangst," was made by an anonymous artist with etching. The artist would have painstakingly drawn into a waxy ground covering a metal plate with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The appeal of etching lies in the fineness of line and the subtlety of tonal variation achievable through controlling the biting process. Here, delicate cross-hatching builds up the atmospheric perspective, receding into the distant shore. Note the contrast between the frenetic energy of the fishermen struggling with their catch, and the tranquility of the figure on the right, perhaps a divine presence overseeing the bounty. Prints like these were a crucial medium for disseminating images widely, contributing to a shared visual culture. This print, therefore, isn't just a picture; it's a piece of a much larger economic and social puzzle. By appreciating the materials, the process, and the context, we grasp the full depth of the work.