Fontein met hoog voetstuk before 1706

This print shows a fountain with a high pedestal, made by an anonymous artist. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate, leaving behind lines that hold ink. Here, those lines depict a baroque fountain, bristling with sculpture, topped by a statue of a warrior in classical garb. Look closely, and you’ll see the etched lines vary in thickness and density, creating light and shadow. This gives a sense of depth, and texture to the fountain’s various elements. Etchings like this were often made to document grand architectural projects, like this fountain, which was surely intended to impress. The print allows us to appreciate the artistry of its design. Prints were a form of mass media, circulating images and ideas widely. They democratized access to art and design. The making of this etching involved skilled labor, from the artist who designed it to the printer who produced it. Considering the materials, making, and context of this etching enriches our understanding, blurring the lines between fine art, craft, and social history.