Aanbrengen van dammen in rivier Possibly 1677 - 1696

This print, "Aanbrengen van dammen in rivier", was made around 1675 by Giovanni Battista Falda, using etching on paper. This image isn't just a picture; it's a direct product of its time, deeply intertwined with processes of making, and social context. Etching involves covering a metal plate with wax, scratching into it, and then dunking the whole thing in acid. The acid bites away at the exposed metal, leaving behind lines that will hold ink. It's a printmaking process dependent on craft knowledge and chemical reactions, a blend of artistry and industrial method. Look closely, and you can almost feel the pressure of the etcher's hand, guided by the vision of Cornelius Meyer, designer of hydraulic works. The final print could be reproduced, disseminated and consumed. This speaks volumes about the social and political landscape of the era, where power was exerted through infrastructure as much as through fine art. By appreciating the blend of artistry and labor inherent in the process, we come to a more nuanced understanding of both the artwork and its place in history.