Gezicht op de Seine te Parijs met links het arsenaal 1655

Matthäus Merian the Younger made this print of the Seine in Paris in the mid-17th century using etching and engraving techniques, and then added watercolor. The etched lines define the architecture and the riverbank, giving the scene its structure. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through the wax to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The ink sits within these etched lines. Then, the engraver refines the image further using specialized tools to create precise details. Finally, the addition of watercolor brings a delicate, atmospheric quality to the scene. The level of detail suggests a skilled artisan, working within a well-established printmaking tradition. The choice of this medium speaks to a growing market for topographical views during this period, meeting the demands of an increasingly mobile and curious public. The print not only captures a specific place, but also reflects the economic and social context of its creation. Understanding the materials, the making, and the context allows us to fully appreciate the richness and complexity of this artwork.