Hollandse harddraverij, ca. 1775 1778

This print, Hollandse harddraverij, was made around 1775 by Simon Fokke using etching and engraving techniques. The image captures a horse race, a popular spectacle, set against a detailed landscape filled with spectators. The methods used by Fokke were typical of the era, relying on the skilled manipulation of metal plates to create intricate lines and textures. Each line etched into the metal required precision, demonstrating a high level of craft. The printmaking process also allowed for multiple reproductions, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Looking closely, the detailed rendering of figures and the setting would have taken considerable time. This reflects the economic realities of the art world, where artists like Fokke balanced artistic expression with market demand, engaging with the culture of leisure and entertainment emerging at the time. Considering the making of this print encourages us to think about the social context in which it was produced, blurring the lines between fine art and popular culture.