Gezicht op het Hof van Rijnsburg 1750 - 1792

This print of the Hof van Rijnsburg, was made by Hendrik Spilman in the 18th century. As an etching, the image begins with a metal plate, likely copper, coated with a waxy ground. The artist then uses a needle to draw through this ground, exposing the metal beneath. The magic happens when the plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. This is a skilled practice, requiring a deep understanding of materials, because the depth of the lines determine how much ink they will hold, therefore affecting the final print's tonality. Spilman would have then applied ink to the plate, wiping away the excess, so it only remained in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The textures and visual effects achieved through this labor-intensive printmaking process, reflect the broader context of skilled craftsmanship in Dutch society during the 1700s, and the artistic value placed on meticulous execution. Appreciating this artwork means acknowledging the expertise, time, and labor invested in the making process.