Gezicht op het Oude Stadhuis te Amsterdam before 1664

This print, "Gezicht op het Oude Stadhuis te Amsterdam," was made by an anonymous artist using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. Here, a copper plate would have been coated with wax, and then the artist would scratch an image into the wax, exposing the metal underneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The deeper the bite, the more ink it holds. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper. It’s a sophisticated process requiring specialized knowledge, revealing a hidden world of craft and labor. As a medium, etching allowed for relatively quick reproduction, playing a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas across society. The texture of the etching lines, the subtle variations in tone, and the overall composition reflect not only the artist’s vision but also the inherent qualities of the materials. This artwork challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.