Fontein van de doornuittrekker in de tuinen van het Koninklijk Paleis van Aranjuez 1694 - 1737

Pieter van den Berge created this print of the 'Fountain of the Thorn Extractor' at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez using etching and engraving techniques. Prints like this one, made with the repeatable processes of etching and engraving, allowed for the wide dissemination of images that could be collected, studied, and enjoyed. The etched lines define the fountain's intricate architecture and sculptural details, while engraving adds depth and texture. These are intaglio processes, where the image is incised into a metal plate, and the ink is held within these lines to create the final print. The materiality of the print, the paper, and the ink, speak to the work involved in its production. It reminds us of the labor of the artist but also of the printers and publishers, who brought these images to a wider audience. This print is not just a depiction; it is a product of a complex system of making, consuming, and circulating images.