Gezicht op de zeestraat de Dardanellen 1742 - 1801

This print of the Dardanelles Strait was made by Georg Balthasar Probst in the 18th century, using etching and hand-applied color. The precision of line suggests the hand of a skilled artisan, yet the print also speaks to the rise of mass production. Note the layering of etched lines and the application of color, defining form and texture. The lines create depth in the scene, depicting a bustling port city and sailing ships navigating the strait. The application of color is essential to the image, emphasizing the natural elements, and the strategic importance of the waterway. Such prints were commercial products, made available to a wide public. Their proliferation reflects an expanding culture of knowledge and consumption, dependent on the division of labor, specialized skill sets, and global networks of exchange. It challenges our traditional ideas about artistic creation and its role in wider society.