Gezicht op de kerk en het convent van de orde van Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Weldadigheid te Parijs 1655

Matthäus Merian's print depicts the church and convent of the Order of Our Lady of Charity in Paris. This detailed vista was achieved through the technique of etching, a printmaking process that relies on the corrosive power of acid to create lines in a metal plate. The image's crisp lines and tonal variations result from carefully controlled bites of acid, demonstrating the artist's technical skill and knowledge of material properties. Merian's application of watercolor further enhances the print, adding depth and vibrancy to the architectural details and surrounding landscape. Consider the labor involved in such a piece: from the mining and processing of the metal plate, to the skilled artistry required for the etching and coloring. Such an investment of time and resources tells us much about the value placed on this particular view of Parisian life. By considering the material, processes, and social context, we gain a richer understanding of the print, challenging any strict divide between art and craft.