Broad Street c. early 20th century

Bror Julius Olsson Nordfeldt’s ‘Broad Street’ is an etching on paper. This printmaking technique involves using acid to corrode lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper, bearing an impression of the image. The medium influences how the scene is depicted. Etching lends itself to fine, detailed lines, perfect for capturing the architectural details of the towering buildings and the bustling street scene below. The sharp contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through careful control of the etching process, emphasize the grandeur and drama of the urban landscape. But there’s also a social dimension here. Consider the labor involved in the construction of these skyscrapers, and the economic activity taking place within them. Nordfeldt’s etching captures a moment in the history of capitalism, rendered with the careful hand of an artisan. In doing so, he elevates printmaking as a fine art, just as the print portrays the towering buildings.