Gezicht op de Dam in Amsterdam met het stadhuis en de Waag 1743

Jan Caspar Philips created this print of the Dam Square in Amsterdam using etching and engraving techniques. The sharp, precise lines that define the architecture and the figures within the scene were achieved through meticulous work with metal tools on a copper plate. Philips likely used a combination of etching, where acid eats into the metal to create lines, and engraving, where lines are directly incised with a burin. The contrast between light and shadow gives the scene depth and volume. The print not only showcases Philips' skill as a draughtsman, but also serves as a historical document, reflecting the societal and economic importance of Amsterdam. The labor-intensive process and the resulting prints were undoubtedly tied to the dynamics of production, consumption, and the exchange of images in the 18th century. This print challenges our perception of art by highlighting the significance of the processes involved in its creation.