Landscape with a Stream 

Jan Hackaert made this landscape with a stream sometime in the 17th century, using etching. This printing process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches away the coating with a pointed tool, exposing the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. Hackaert clearly revels in the linear quality of the etching process. Look at how he renders the densely packed leaves. He uses short, quick strokes that mimic the foliage's texture. The varying thickness of the lines gives depth and shadow, creating a sense of volume despite the limited tonal range of a black and white print. As a multiple, the print is unlike a painting or drawing. It is inherently repeatable and belongs to an economy of image distribution. So while the subject might be the calm of nature, the very nature of the artwork evokes a complex world of circulation and exchange. Understanding the materials, and the making, allows us to see its broader cultural context.