Stadsplein met in het midden een fontein in de vorm van een tempeltje c. 1600

This print of a city square with a temple-like fountain at its center was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. It's an etching, a process that uses acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The precision of the etched line allows for incredible detail. Look closely at the architecture and statuary; the way light and shadow are rendered. But consider the labor involved: each line meticulously placed, the careful application of acid, the skilled printing process. Prints like this were luxury goods, a form of visual information circulated among the wealthy. This one depicts an idealized urban space, complete with classical motifs. It reflects a society where artistry and craftsmanship were valued, but also stratified by wealth and status. The labor behind it is hidden in plain sight. By considering the material and making of this print, we can appreciate not only its aesthetic qualities, but also the complex social context in which it was created.