Gezicht op Notre Dame op het île Barbe bij Lyon 1652

This print, "View of Notre Dame on the Île Barbe near Lyon," was made by Israel Silvestre in the 17th century, using the technique of etching. Silvestre made the etching by drawing through a wax-coated metal plate with a sharp needle, then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the metal where the needle has exposed it, creating a network of lines. When the plate is inked, the ink settles into these lines, and an image is produced when pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how Silvestre varied the density and direction of his lines to create a sense of light, shadow, and texture. The stark contrast between line and ground gives this print a graphic quality, but it also reveals a great deal of labor. Every mark had to be thoughtfully planned and carefully executed. In its time, printmaking was essential for disseminating information and artistic ideas. Silvestre's print offers a glimpse into a time when craft and artistry were intertwined.