Landschap met reizigers bij een waterval 1734

Jean Moyreau made this landscape with travelers by a waterfall as an engraving, and we can appreciate its rich texture and tone. Engraving is a printmaking technique where the artist carves lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Consider the skill required to create such detail. The engraver uses tools to physically remove material, demanding precision and control. The depth and width of each line determine the amount of ink it holds, which dictates the darkness of the printed mark. Look closely, and you’ll see the countless tiny strokes that build up the scene. Engravings like this were relatively reproducible, but they were still luxury items. Landscape prints like this were very popular during the 18th century. The production of prints involved the labor of the artist, the printer, and the distributor. By focusing on the materials and process behind this print, we gain a deeper understanding of the image itself, and its place in the wider world of labor and consumption.