Gezicht op Barcelona 1641 - 1695

This print, "Gezicht op Barcelona," was made in the late 17th century by Nicolas Perelle using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a 'ground'. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a needle, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the acid bath, the deeper the lines and the more ink they will hold. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. What's remarkable about etching is its capacity to record detail and texture. The etching process allowed for the relatively rapid production of multiple copies, fuelling the distribution of knowledge and visual culture, and hinting at the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. When we consider the material reality of this print, and the work involved in its production, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.